SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it becomes apparent that both offer unique advantages depending on personal preference. The Ayara switch is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, delivering a decisive and solid bottom-out with shortened travel distance. The smooth journey from press to bottoming out and resonant sound signature of the Gold Silver accentuates its commitment to swift action. While the Ayara switch offers a polished, high-pitched typing experience, the Gold Silver switch excels in providing a polished, low-pitched, and thocky 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Gold Silver differ significantly in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material's translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the switch's visual appeal.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Ayara and the Gold Silver share nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that typing on switches utilizing either of these materials will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic properties contribute to a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials for switches such as the Ayara and Gold Silver ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound profiles and aesthetics. While nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller tone, polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound with a more resonant quality. Additionally, the visual appeal of polycarbonate's translucency, especially when paired with RGB lighting, may sway users who prioritize aesthetics in their switch selection. Ultimately, understanding the unique qualities of each housing material can help individuals make informed decisions based on their specific typing preferences and desired keyboard aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force remains unknown. The Ayara switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Gold Silver, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for some users. However, the lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Gold Silver's 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Ayara falls within the traditional range, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Gold Silver is on the shallower end, preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. While both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, the minor difference in travel distance may impact the feel and feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Ayara offering a bit more depth and the Gold Silver providing a quicker response.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as producing a thocky, low-pitched sound that offers a deep and rich auditory experience. While the Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile, the Gold Silver switch offers a more satisfying and resonant sound that emphasizes the swift action and precision of each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, both the Ayara and Gold Silver switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Gold Silver switch also offers a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch is labeled as mild and subtle, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience with a light touch and sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Gold Silver linear switches offer polished and refined typing experiences, they differ in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a neutral sound profile with a clacky sound and a soft bottom-out feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with rapid responsiveness and a smooth key travel, emphasizing speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, decisive bottom-outs, and a smooth journey from press to bottom-out, the Gold Silver switch with an unspecified bottom-out force would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a medium heftiness and neutral sound profile found in the Ayara, or a swift, thocky, and low-pitched sound experience coupled with a polished and silky feel provided by the Gold Silver. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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