SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Gold Red Pro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is known for its versatility, offering an easy press that suits a wide range of users. With a neutral sound signature and seamless typing experience, it is adaptable to various settings, whether for gaming, office work, or leisurely typing. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Red Pro both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Ayara's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate housing offers a more clear and resonant sound.
Although both switches have nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ significantly in material and sound profile. This contrast in top housing material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Ayara's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch.
In summary, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing. Whether it's the nylon top housing of the SP-Star Ayara or the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Gold Red Pro, each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. While the Ayara's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help you choose the right switch for your typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that they have differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium weight keypress, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, suggesting a lighter touch needed to register a keystroke, but its bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer varying experiences to users based on their preference for a lighter or heavier keypress. Some may prefer the Ayara for its medium bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Gold Red Pro for its lighter actuation force, enabling longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4 mm being more common. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Red Pro for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Ayara to provide a more satisfying key press with a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific feel desired when typing or gaming.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 touch of high-pitched notes, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch presents a balanced mix of thocky and low-pitched tones, giving off a deep and rich sound with a mellow undertone. Both switches excel in providing pleasant auditory experiences, with the Ayara catering to those who enjoy a slightly sharper sound and the Gold Red Pro appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, both the Ayara and the Gold Red Pro switches feature a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. The Ayara is known for its polished feel, offering a sleek key travel that enhances typing comfort. Similarly, the Gold Red Pro provides a silky and mild typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users. Additionally, the subtle resistance of the Gold Red Pro switch ensures that the typing feel remains gentle and suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches exhibit slight differences in sound and feel, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and hearty typing experience of the Ayara or the deep, rich tones and polished feel of the Gold Red Pro, you can expect excellent performance and versatility from either switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, knowing that both options will deliver similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound, the Ayara with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams is a great choice. On the other hand, if you value versatility and a neutral sound profile with ease of press, the Gold Red Pro would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the Ayara is recommended for those seeking a more pronounced typing feel, while the Gold Red Pro is suitable for users looking for a seamless typing experience across various settings. Make your choice based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
