SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Hyacinth are two popular choices with their own unique features. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on these switches gives a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience common with longer-stem switches. This commitment to creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort is evident in the Hyacinth's single-stage elongated spring, deviating from the mainstream use of dual-stage elongated springs. Now that we have covered some general characteristics of these switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Hyacinth differ in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing is a stiffer plastic material that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing shares similar sound characteristics with its top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material. Similarly, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, producing a similar dull and round sound due to the absorption properties of nylon.
When both top and bottom housings differ in a switch, specific qualities offered by each material are distributed between them. Pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's properties come into play, impacting the sound and feel of the bottom-out. Conversely, the top housing's material has a more prominent role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction indicates that the choice of materials in these two switches will affect the typing experience and resulting sound in different ways.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth's top housing provides the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ayara's nylon top housing lacks this feature. However, both switches utilize classic switch housing materials, emphasizing their reliability and time-tested performance. So, while the materials differ in certain aspects, both the Ayara and the Hyacinth ultimately offer similar deep and full sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, while the Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Hyacinth switch slightly lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium in terms of resistance. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, falling into the medium-light category.
For those who prioritize weight in their typing experience, the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth switch may be preferred, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it suitable for situations such as work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In conclusion, the Ayara switch stands out in terms of its bottom out force, being slightly heavier than the Hyacinth switch. However, the actuation force for the Ayara switch remains unknown. By considering the weight of the switches, users can make an informed decision based on their preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ayara has a slightly longer distance compared to the Hyacinth. The Ayara's 4.0 mm travel distance is a more traditional option, providing a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a shallower and quicker keystroke, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. So, if you prioritize a responsive typing experience, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Ayara's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. Additionally, the Ayara switch has a soft bottom-out feel and produces a perfectly clacky sound when typing.
On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch also provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it versatile and suitable for various typing needs. However, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience. This decision was made to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, which ensures a more consistent force curve.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the materials used and possible factory lubing, reducing friction and providing a smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch also has a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being too feather-light. Additionally, the sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Hyacinth switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a neutral sound profile and require a moderate actuation force, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The Ayara switch stands out for its soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, while the Hyacinth switch prioritizes user comfort and a balanced typing experience through its design choices of a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring. If you prefer a smoother and polished typing experience, the Ayara switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel with subtle resistance and non-resonant sound, the Hyacinth switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a design focused on creating the perfect balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be the better option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams, combined with a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring, provides a consistent force curve and avoids the hard bottoming-out experience.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing, the Ayara switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, while the Hyacinth switch maintains a neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider the typing experience, sound profile, and feel that align with your needs and choose the switch that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience. With the information provided, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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