SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Flaming Purple, both of which are linear switches. The Ayara is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and bassier sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While the Ayara offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Flaming Purple provides a feathery, easy-to-press feel with a low-pitched and silky touch. Ultimately, the Ayara is recommended for those who enjoy a solid typing experience, while the Flaming Purple appeals to those looking for a swift and engaging 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Flaming Purple both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ayara's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While the Ayara's nylon bottom housing shares similar qualities with its top housing, the Flaming Purple utilizes nylon for the bottom housing as well, offering consistency in sound profile throughout the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for users who prefer RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light transmission. On the other hand, the Ayara's nylon top housing may not showcase RGB lighting as vibrantly due to its opaque nature. However, both switches offer a classic housing material in the form of nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Flaming Purple ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Ayara's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which may appeal to users looking for a visually dynamic experience. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 47 grams, making the Ayara the heavier option. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Ayara's actuation force is not provided. This means that the Flaming Purple requires less force to register a keystroke, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Flaming Purple would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ayara has a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Flaming Purple. The 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels and performs. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may find the Flaming Purple more to their liking for a faster response time, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Ayara for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer their own unique travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 provides a perfectly clacky sound profile with a neutral and high-pitched characteristic, suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a bassy and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of poppy undertones to each keystroke, creating an engaging auditory experience. Both switches present unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Ayara leaning towards a neutral and high-pitched tone, while the Flaming Purple boasting a bassier and resonant sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to the materials used and potentially factory lubing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is known for its feathery nature, providing a light actuation force of just 47g that ensures swift and effortless typing. Additionally, the Flaming Purple is also characterized as easy-to-press and silky, enhancing the overall smoothness and comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Ayara focusing on a polished and refined feel, while the Flaming Purple emphasizes light actuation and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences, users can choose between the hearty and clacky sound of the Ayara or the engaging and resonant sound of the Flaming Purple. Similarly, the polished and refined feel of the Ayara contrasts with the feathery and easy-to-press nature of the Flaming Purple, offering options for users seeking different tactile sensations. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for enthusiasts and daily typists alike, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches would be the ideal choice for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a feathery feel with a bassier sound profile that adds an engaging auditory flair to your typing, the Flaming Purple switches are a great option for swift and effortless key presses. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a medium heftness and polished typing experience or a lighter, easy-to-press feel with a resonant sound profile. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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