SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The Ayara is a linear switch that stands out with its medium heftness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. Typing on the Ayara switches provides a satisfying soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile that many find appealing. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is also a linear switch but is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. As a long-time community favorite, it offers a different typing experience compared to the Ayara. The Ink Black V2 is categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, providing a unique sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. These differences in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Ayara providing a more mellow and resonant sound, while the Ink Black V2 offers a sharper and more distinctive sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Ayara and the Ink Black V2 also contribute to their respective sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Ayara complements the top housing by enhancing the deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon has the property of absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a well-rounded sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a comprehensive sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
While the Ayara and the Ink Black V2 have contrasting housing materials that result in different sound profiles, it is also worth noting that they share some similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. Although the Ayara's nylon housing may provide a duller sound compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend, they both offer a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, both switches exhibit a level of sound absorption due to their softer plastic materials. This allows for a quieter typing experience and reduces the sharpness of the sound produced. In essence, while the Ayara and the Ink Black V2 have distinguishing sound profiles attributed to their individual housing materials, they still provide similar results in terms of sound absorption and overall satisfaction when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Ayara's specific measurement is unavailable, while the Ink Black V2 requires 60 grams of force. Although we cannot make a direct comparison, it is likely that both switches provide a similar actuation experience. However, when examining the bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the Ink Black V2 has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier switch. Meanwhile, the Ayara switch, with its lighter bottom out force, may be more appealing to individuals who value a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience one wishes to achieve.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key, as they provide the same distance that you feel while using them. Therefore, whether you choose the Ayara or the Ink Black V2 switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. It has a moderate sound that is not too high-pitched or low-pitched. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch has a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from other switches.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished and sleek typing experience. Its smooth and refined finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. In comparison, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Similar to the Ayara, it also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have their own unique qualities. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftiness, soft bottom-out feel, and clacky sound profile. It offers a neutral sound and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a community favorite with a smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched sound, and a slight chirp. Both switches provide polished finishes for smooth key travel. While they have their own distinct characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of feel with their polished finishes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium-bottom out force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is a great choice. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is the way to go. It features a medium-heavy bottom-out force, providing a slightly heavier typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ink Black V2 switch is a better option with its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy characteristics.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. However, the Ayara switch's polished feel is its standout feature, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for most users.
Ultimately, whether you choose the SP-Star Ayara or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, both options have their strengths and suitability depending on your preferences.
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