SP-Star Ayara vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara, a linear switch, and the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch. The Ayara switches are known for their medium heftiness, making them ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, they offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches are meticulously crafted with a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, while the Crystal Violet has an ABS top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, ABS produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. Therefore, when it comes to the sound produced, the Ayara with its nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Crystal Violet with its ABS top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches again have different materials. The Ayara utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal Violet incorporates an ABS bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, nylon's softer nature allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, ABS is a relatively rare plastic used in switch housings, and it produces a lower-pitched sound when typing. Therefore, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a more rounded and subdued bottom-out sound experience compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
It's important to note that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, each housing material will contribute differently to the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a more significant impact on those aspects, while the top housing will influence the sound when you release a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials between the Ayara and the Crystal Violet, the overall sound experience may still be similar if the bottom-out sound is more important to the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Ayara, unfortunately, has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to gauge its initial triggering force. However, its bottom out force is recorded at 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams, providing a smoother and easier keystroke initiation. Additionally, its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance when fully pressed.
Considering the weight of the switches, individuals may have different preferences based on their typing requirements. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for switches with a lower actuation force, such as the Crystal Violet. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who seek a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces. In this scenario, the Ayara's bottom out force of 62 grams might be a preferred choice.
Although the specific actuation force of the Ayara remains unknown, it is clear that the Crystal Violet switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ayara. However, for individuals who require a similar level of resistance, both switches fall into the medium category for bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter and smoother typing experience or a more substantial and resistant keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key fitted with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. It is worth noting that this distance is within the standard range for most mechanical switches and should provide a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Ayara switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. The sound produced by the Ayara switch is described as perfectly clacky, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch has a low-pitched sound profile, leaning towards the bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, but with slightly different characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the Ayara switch feels sleek and effortless. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, along with specific materials, results in a smooth and buttery sensation. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch belongs to the stepped category of tactile switches, which means it has two stages of tactility, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Ayara switch focusing on smoothness and refinement, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and stepped typing experience.
Taking into account sound and feel, the Ayara switch provides a hearty typing experience with its medium heftness. It produces a clacky sound and offers a sleek and polished feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It produces a mellow and non-intrusive sound and provides a creamy and gentle feel. Depending on personal preferences, the Ayara switch may be a better choice for those who prefer a moderate sound profile and a refined typing experience, while the Crystal Violet switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a bass-heavy sound and a smooth buttery feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can deliver satisfactory typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium heftness, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a light operating force, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a gentle and comfortable feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. Additionally, they offer a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and the Crystal Violet switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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