SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into consideration are the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Red. The Ayara switch is known for its medium weight, making it a great choice for those who prefer a robust typing experience. Typing on these switches offers a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience, accompanied by a light-medium level of resistance. These switches add a touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, while still maintaining a subtle and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 and TTC Gold Red switches differ in terms of the top housing. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, while the Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Due to the properties of nylon, the Ayara switch produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon also allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Gold Red's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ayara and Gold Red switches utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing as it elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience with both switches.
When considering the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, it is important to note how the characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials impact the switch performance. The Ayara, with its nylon top and bottom housing, will provide a consistent deep and full sound throughout the typing process. On the other hand, the Gold Red, with its polycarbonate top housing, will produce a sharper and crisper sound when releasing a key. The bottom housing, being nylon in both switches, will contribute to the overall deep and full sound upon bottoming out a key. Therefore, while there are differences in the top housing materials, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of typing experience but with slight variations in sound profile when releasing the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Ayara switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Gold Red switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara switch requires 62 grams of force, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Gold Red switch requires 50 grams, making it lighter than the Ayara switch. This means that the Gold Red switch may provide a more effortless typing experience, allowing users to type for longer periods without fatigue setting in.
Considering weight's impact on typing, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Gold Red switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ayara switch's heavier bottom out force. However, since the actuation force of the Ayara switch is unavailable, it is difficult to determine if the two switches provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Overall, it ultimately depends on individual preference and typing style when deciding between the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the distance the switch travels when pressed down. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same feeling and distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Red switches provide similar results and are equally suited for users looking for a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Gold Red linear switches, it is evident that they offer different sound profiles. The Ayara switch is described as having a perfectly clacky sound profile, which can be interpreted as a neutral or high-pitched sound. This means that it produces a moderate, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch is described as having a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to the keyboard without being too ostentatious. It is categorized as thocky and low-pitched, meaning it produces a deep, rich, satisfying sound with bass-heavy and mellow tones. Overall, if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice, while the Gold Red switch offers a more satisfying, deep, and bass-heavy sound.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished feel, emphasizing its smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch is described as offering a mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. It falls in the safe, middle-ground zone with a gentle resistance and exceptionally smooth key travel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, both switches are mentioned to have a polished finish, which adds to the smoothness of the typing feel. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a refined, polished feel and medium resistance, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice, while the Gold Red switch provides a more gentle and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Gold Red linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftness, soft bottom-out feel, and moderately clacky sound profile. It provides a hearty typing experience with a polished and refined feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Overall, while they differ in sound and feel, both switches aim to cater to various preferences and provide satisfying typing experiences. If you prefer the qualities of one switch, it is likely you will find similar results in the other, but with distinct differences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium level of resistance, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying typing feel. They also offer a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a light-medium level of resistance. They provide a buttery smooth typing experience and have a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches have a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Additionally, they have a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them a great choice if you value a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. They also have a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switches and the TTC Gold Red linear switches depends on your preferences for typing experience. Consider the level of resistance you prefer, the sound profile that appeals to you, and the feel that provides the most comfortable typing experience for you.
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