SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Brown. The Ayara is a linear switch well-regarded for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a sturdy and robust typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel, accompanied by a delightful clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switches offer a balanced experience. They possess a slight but satisfying tactile bump, and a moderate weightiness. These switches also produce a rounded sound profile that is softer than many other switches, without being completely silent. Both switches exhibit polished characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. However, let's delve further beyond these generalities to assist you in determining the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara, nylon for the top and bottom housings, and the TTC Gold Brown, polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics based on their respective top housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ayara's nylon top housing does not offer any special visual features, while the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing is translucent. This makes it a suitable choice for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for more vibrant lighting effects. If you prioritize visual customization, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing would be the more appealing option.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in terms of their nylon bottom housing. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. As nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, it enhances the overall acoustics of the switches, resulting in a more pleasant typing experience. Therefore, despite their differences in top housing material, the Ayara and Gold Brown switches share similar sound qualities due to the presence of nylon in their bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall experience of pressing down and releasing a key, the different housing materials for the top and bottom housings will have varying effects. The bottom housing, which is nylon for both switches, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, whether nylon for the Ayara or polycarbonate for the Gold Brown, will have an influence on the sound produced when the key is released. Depending on your preference for the sound during key depressions or key releases, you can choose a switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara weighing in at 62 grams and the Gold Brown slightly heavier at 63 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Ayara's grams are unavailable, while the Gold Brown requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke.
For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown may be the preferred choice, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for tasks that require prolonged typing, like using a keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience.
On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ayara switch. Although the actuation force for the Ayara is unspecified, its bottom out force is heavier than the Gold Brown. This heavier force can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying push when typing, which some users find more enjoyable or comfortable.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Brown comes down to individual preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown due to its lower actuation force, while those who desire a heavier, more substantial feel may lean towards the Ayara. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, ensuring that regardless of the choice made, users can expect a similar level of resistance when bottoming out the keys.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience to the user.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 offers a clacky sound profile, which is sharp and crisp when pressed. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a rounded and softer sound profile. It produces a moderate sound that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. If you prefer a more balanced and moderate sound, the Gold Brown switch is a suitable choice. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable feel that suits most users, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is also described as accented, meaning it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. If you prefer a more refined and polished feel, the Ayara switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a gentle and buttery typing experience with a medium level of tactility, the Gold Brown switch would be more suitable.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer their own unique characteristics. The Ayara switch is best known for its medium heftness and clacky sound profile, providing a hearty typing experience. It also offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced qualities, with a slight and satisfying bump. It has a softer sound profile and provides a mild and buttery typing experience with a medium level of tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a more hearty and clacky typing experience, the Ayara switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a more balanced and gentle typing experience with a slight tactile feel, the Gold Brown switch would be more suitable.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is your best bet. These switches provide a neutral sound profile and offer a mild, buttery, or accented feel, depending on your preference. Overall, both switches have a medium bottom-out force and would work well for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Brown comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
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