SP-Star Ayara vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and Bsun Pine offer unique typing experiences for users. The Ayara is a linear switch that provides a medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, resulting in a distinct and quick bottom-out. The Pine offers clear-cut feedback and fast action, appealing to users who appreciate direct tactility. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Bsun Pine is a favorite for those looking for a no-nonsense typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Pine differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance due to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Pine feature nylon as the material used. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housings, the switches share similar characteristics in the bottom housing, showcasing how the choice of material can create consistency in sound across different components of a switch. This similarity in bottom housing materials may appeal to users looking for a specific sound profile regardless of the top housing material.
Overall, the difference between the nylon top housing of the Ayara and the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine demonstrates how housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the contrasting top housings result in distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Ayara's nylon housing or a sharper and clearer sound with the Pine's polycarbonate housing, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Pine has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The Ayara does not specify an actuation force, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Pine switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Ayara, which may result in a lighter typing experience and potentially allow for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ayara's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between ease of use and typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Pine's 3.4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Pine, is often favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance, like that of the Ayara, can provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a bit more depth to their keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch provides a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Pine tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump and a quick bottom-out, providing a unique typing experience with clear-cut feedback and fast action. The Ayara switch is best suited for individuals who enjoy a polished and refined typing experience, while the Pine switch is recommended for those who prefer an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. When it comes to sound, the Ayara switch offers a neutral or high-pitched sound profile, while the sound profile of the Pine switch is unknown. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, and selecting either option will result in a satisfying typing experience based on the individual user's preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you prefer a medium heftness and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a sharper tactile bump and quick bottom-out with clear-cut feedback and fast action, the Pine switches would be more suited to your typing style. Each switch offers a unique feel and sound, so consider what attributes are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's up to you to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
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