SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Brother offer unique typing experiences. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing feel with a soft bottom-out sensation and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Brother is a clicky switch that stands out with its lightweight nature and breezy actuation of just 37g, offering a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance. While the Ayara is best suited for those who prefer a robust typing experience, the Brother is ideal for clicky switch aficionados seeking clear, crisp precision with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Brother switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the Ayara's nylon top housing may not offer the same translucent quality as the Brother's polycarbonate, which is ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Brother switches utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, enhance the typing experience on both switches. While the bottom housing may not play as significant of a role in the overall sound profile compared to the top housing, its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is noteworthy. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the differing top housing materials still result in distinctive sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Brother switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Ayara's nylon housing offers a more rounded and dull sound profile, whereas the Brother's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the Brother's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, which may be a deciding factor for some users. Both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience, with subtle differences in sound and appearance.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ayara linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter than the Ayara, and a bottom out force of None grams, which is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Ayara switch could be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Brother clicky switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara linear switch. The Ayara switch provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Brother clicky switch offers a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch provides a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and comfortable typing feel for users. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Brother switch is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Ayara focusing on smoothness and refinement, while the Brother emphasizes ease of key activation and a stepped tactile feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch provide distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ayara offers a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Brother delivers a crunchy sound and an easy-to-press, stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual typist's preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider factors like keycap and keyboard choice when selecting a switch to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, tactile experience with a clear, crisp clicky sound and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the TTC Brother clicky switch with its 37g actuation force could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and Brother switches boils down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize heft and clackiness or lightness and tactility in your keyboard switches.
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