SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options available to cater to different preferences. Two such switches that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Honey, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftiness, making it perfect for those who prefer a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a delightfully clacky sound profile, it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey switches from TTC offer a smooth and creamy typing feel. These switches not only feel great to type on but also produce a deep and pleasant sound. While the Ayara is characterized as neutral and high-pitched with a polished profile, the Honey switches have a subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished profile. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences and requirements. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Honey, specifically the top housing, differ significantly. The Ayara's nylon top housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, which results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Honey's translucent polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for those intending to use RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Honey utilize nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
When the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will provide a sense of the qualities brought by the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact of the top housing becomes more prominent, shaping the sound. Therefore, while the Ayara and the Honey may have different housing materials, the resulting sound experiences can still be similar in terms of depth, fullness, sharpness, and crispness, depending on the specific combination of housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Honey linear switches, there are notable differences. The Ayara's actuation force is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Honey's 42 grams actuation force. However, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Honey has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter force of the Honey switch may appeal to individuals who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This lighter actuation force allows for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for those using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who desire a more distinct, substantial feel when typing, the Ayara may be a better choice, as its bottom out force of 62 grams provides a stronger push and a more pronounced keystroke.
While the actuation force of the Ayara is currently unknown, we can assume that it may be higher than 42 grams due to its medium bottom out force. If both switches have comparable actuation forces, individuals can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
In summary, the Ayara linear switch offers a potentially heavier and more pronounced typing experience due to its medium bottom out force. Conversely, the Honey linear switch provides a lighter and more effortless keystroke, making it well-suited for longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ayara offers a slightly longer distance compared to the Honey switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.8 mm is slightly shallower. It is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, opting for the shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm with the Honey switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and may prefer the hearty depth provided by the longer 4.0 mm travel distance of the Ayara switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 provides a perfectly clacky sound profile. It is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile. It is described as subdued, meaning it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, but the Ayara has a clacky sound while the Honey offers a deeper and more pleasant tone.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a soft bottom-out feel and is polished. This indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and satisfying typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Ayara switches contribute to a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Honey switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It provides a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Ayara has a soft bottom-out feel while the Honey provides a creamy and buttery sensation.
Taking into account the available information, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara provides a clacky sound profile and a soft bottom-out feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey offers a deep and pleasant sound profile and a creamy, frictionless, and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless sensation. If you prefer the clacky sound and soft bottom-out feel, the Ayara is the better choice for you. If you prefer the pleasant sound and creamy typing experience, the Honey switch would be more suited to your preferences. In terms of sound and feel, these switches provide different experiences, so choosing one over the other depends on personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Honey linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a solid and robust typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound, the Ayara switches may be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a hearty typing feel that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the Honey switches are worth considering. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a sublime sensation of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the subdued sound signature makes them suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider your typing preferences and select the one that aligns best with your needs.
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