SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Dolphin mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Ayara, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin, also a linear switch, is favored for its silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a precise yet satisfying press. Despite their differences, both switches boast a polished feel, but the Ayara produces a high-pitched sound while the Dolphin emits a low-pitched one. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Dolphin feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. This similarity means that typing on these switches will likely produce a similar sound experience, making them both suitable choices for those who prefer a duller and rounder sound. However, the Ayara stands out with its nylon top housing, which further enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper tone. In contrast, the Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it a better option for those seeking a clearer and more resonant sound.
While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the Ayara's use of nylon in the top housing creates a distinct sound profile that differs from the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing. The Ayara's top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Additionally, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing, like the Dolphin's, enhances the sound profile with its softness, contributing to a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Dolphin offer different sound profiles due to their top housing materials despite sharing the same nylon bottom housing. The Ayara's use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Dolphin's combination of nylon and polycarbonate housings, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Ayara providing a more rounded sound experience while the Dolphin offers a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara and Durock Dolphin linear switches both have a bottom out force of 62 grams, making them equal in terms of the maximum force needed to fully press the key. However, the actuation force for both switches is not provided, so it is unknown whether they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ayara switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Durock Dolphin the shorter of the two switches. The Ayara offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. On the other hand, the Dolphin's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement that suits most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The Ayara switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices. The Dolphin switch produces a low-pitched tone that is softer and quieter compared to the Ayara switch, catering to those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Dolphin switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and provides smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel for users. The medium heftiness of the Ayara switch gives it a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, while the medium-heavy actuation force of the Dolphin switch offers a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara switch provides a clacky sound and medium heftiness for a hearty typing experience, the Dolphin switch offers a muted sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force for a quieter typing experience with more resistance. Both switches feature a polished feel that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, making them suitable choices for users looking for different sound profiles and tactile feedback options. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a silent switch for office or quiet workspace environments, with a medium-heavy actuation force and a satisfying press, the Dolphin is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a medium actuation force with a neutral sound profile like the Ayara, or a muted sound profile with a low-pitched tone like the Dolphin. Both switches offer a polished finish for smooth key travel. We hope this comparison helps you in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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