SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, two renowned linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch offers a hearty typing experience with its medium heft and soft bottom-out feel. Typists who enjoy a satisfying clacky sound profile will find the Ayara switch particularly appealing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is designed for those who desire an effortless and sensitive keystroke experience. With its incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, delicate typists will find comfort in this switch. Additionally, the G Pro White's frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a pleasing auditory feedback. Both switches have their merits, offering unique characteristics for different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While their top housings differ, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both nylon top and bottom housings absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
The impact of the housing materials is divided between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The differences in the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. For example, the Ayara's nylon top housing will produce a duller and rounder sound upon key release, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing will result in a clearer and more resonant sound when letting go of a key.
In summary, the Ayara and the G Pro 3.0 White have contrasting housing materials that directly influence the sound profiles of these switches. The Ayara's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound. The different top housings play a crucial role in the sound produced upon releasing a key. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the G Pro 3.0 White allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic advantage over the Ayara's nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, we can see noticeable differences. The Ayara switch has an unavailable actuation force, while the G Pro 3.0 White requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White switch will be more sensitive and easier to trigger with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Ayara requires a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 45 grams. This difference in bottom out force implies that the Ayara switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring more pressure to fully depress the keys. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, if a more substantial push feel is desired, the Ayara switch would be the better option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same travel distance with both switches. The similarity in travel distance ensures that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 linear switch offers a clacky sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It also offers a subdued sound, which means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed. This gives a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Overall, both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, but with different characteristics. If you prefer a sharper and more percussive sound, the Ayara switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a suitable option.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch provides a polished typing experience. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, which reduces friction and offers smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy typing experience. This is due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. It also offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it has a feathery feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ayara switch provides a polished and refined feel, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and low-impact typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing feel, but with different qualities.
Considering all the available information, the Ayara linear switch is best known for its hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is designed for delicate typists, offering an incredibly light actuation force and a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting. It provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate-high pitch and a creamy and easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences. If you prefer a hearty and clacky typing experience with a polished feel, the Ayara switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a delicate typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a suitable option. Overall, both switches offer premium typing experiences in their own ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium heftness, the Ayara switch with its 62 grams bottom out force would be a great choice. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a moderate actuation force requirement and a sharp and crisp sound.
On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist and prefer a lighter actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White switch with its 45 grams bottom out force would be more suitable for you. This switch offers an effortless and sensitive typing experience, with easy-to-press keys that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it provides a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch, making it a great budget-friendly option for those who want a premium typing feel without breaking the bank.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switch has a neutral and high-pitched sound profile, which is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as clacky, neutral, and subdued, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. So, depending on your sound preference, you can choose between a more clacky or neutral sound profile.
Regarding feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. These characteristics range from smooth and buttery to exceptionally light and gentle. So, consider how you want your typing experience to feel and choose accordingly.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have their unique features and characteristics. It's important to consider your preferences for typing experience, actuation force, sound, and feel when making a decision. By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed choice to find the switch that suits you best.
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