SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cream Yellow. Both switches are linear, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Ayara is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, as it has a medium heftness and provides a soft bottom-out feel. Additionally, it offers a perfectly clacky sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. Its lengthened spring also contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cream Yellow switches have distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which is known to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Cream Yellow switch, especially when used with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Cream Yellow switches employ a nylon material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing as it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will exhibit similar sound qualities when it comes to their bottom-out sound and feel.
Although the top and bottom housings differ for the Ayara and the Cream Yellow switches, it is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Ayara and the Cream Yellow may have differences in their housing materials, they will still provide comparable results in terms of their overall sound profiles and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara's actuation force is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Cream Yellow's actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara requiring 62 grams and the Cream Yellow requiring 58 grams.
In terms of weight, the Ayara switch is heavier due to its higher bottom out force. This may be preferable for those who desire a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is lighter in comparison, with a lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more lightweight switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
While the actuation force of the Ayara switch is unknown, it is important to note that actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. It is likely that both switches have a similar actuation force, as they are both considered linear switches. Therefore, while the bottom out forces may differ slightly, individuals using either switch can expect similar results in terms of actuation force. Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the Ayara and Cream Yellow switches, taking into consideration one's desired typing experience and the weight that suits their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is clear that there is a noticeable difference. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Cream Yellow would be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to lean towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lack depth. In such cases, the Ayara with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether responsiveness or a deeper pressing sensation is more desirable.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using it at home or at work. The sound produced by the Ayara switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow linear switch is specifically designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a resonant audio feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. However, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, and the final sound outcome will also depend on the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara linear switch provides a polished typing experience. Being a polished switch, it has a smooth and refined finish, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch offers a sleek feel during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow linear switch offers a bouncy feel. This means that the keys have a lively sensation, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback when pressed. The Cream Yellow switch offers a unique typing experience due to its lengthened spring. Ultimately, the choice between a polished and bouncy feel would come down to personal preference.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Ayara and Cream Yellow linear switches offer distinct qualities. The Ayara switch provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. With its medium heftiness, it is recommended for those who prefer a more robust typing feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a uniquely bouncy typing experience with a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring adds a bouncy feel to the keys. If you prefer a neutral sound and polished feel, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you desire a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience. The Ayara is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used both at home or work. The feel of the Ayara is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you desire a distinctively clacky sound with resonant audio feedback and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is a great choice. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, it still provides a medium hearty typing experience. The Cream Yellow is specifically designed to deliver a crisp, bright, and percussive clacky sound when pressed. The lengthened spring of the Cream Yellow contributes to its uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when using the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and the Cream Yellow comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a softer bottom-out feel with a polished finish and a neutral sound profile, the Ayara is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a clackier sound with a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, the Cream Yellow is the switch that will meet your preferences. Consider your typing preferences and sound preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Overall, both the Ayara and the Cream Yellow offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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