SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Ayara switches are known for their medium heftiness, making them ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their beautiful translucent design and smooth feel. They offer a lighter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches and produce a higher-pitched clack. Both switches have their unique qualities, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star Ayara Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize a nylon housing material for their top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound when typing on these switches. However, the Ayara's nylon housing is more focused on providing a deeper sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend housing produces a slightly higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, clacky sound. Therefore, though both switches share the use of nylon, the resulting sound profiles are subtly different.

In terms of the bottom housing, the similarities between the Ayara and the Ink Box Pink switches become more apparent. Like their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistent use of nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound helps to dampen any harshness or sharpness, resulting in a more rounded sound when bottoming out. As a result, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of these switches.

While the bottom housings provide a consistent experience, the variation in the top housings of the Ayara and the Ink Box Pink switches brings about distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which adds to the deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This results in a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. The INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding a unique characteristic to the overall typing experience. Thus, the top housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, distinguishing their respective sound profiles.

In summary, the Ayara and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches share some similarities in their use of nylon material for both top and bottom housings. Both switches benefit from nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, there are noticeable differences in their sound characteristics. The Ayara's nylon housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend adds a slightly higher-pitched clackiness. Moreover, the bottom housing influences the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed down, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ayara's actuation force is an unknown value, while the Ink Box Pink requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force.

Consideration of weight is important for users, as it affects their typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Ink Box Pink, as it requires a lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing periods. This makes it suitable for tasks like typing at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might favor the Ayara due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.

While the actuation forces differ between these two switches, users can still expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, providing a balanced feel when pressing the keys fully. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and Ink Box Pink will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Pink. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.6mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the deeper feel of the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Ayara offering a slightly longer travel distance and the Ink Box Pink providing a slightly shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate pitch. This means that it produces a moderate, crisp sound when pressed, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch has a clacky sound profile with a higher pitch. This results in a sharp and snappy sound, giving a bright and percussive feel. Both switches produce a crisp and sharp sound, but the Ayara switch has a more neutral pitch compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Ink Box Pink switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Ayara switch focuses more on a polished finish, while the Ink Box Pink switch emphasizes silky smoothness.

Overall, the Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. If you prefer a switch that has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Ayara switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch has a lighter typing feel, a high-pitched clack sound, and a silky-smooth typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a lighter touch and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink switch would be a great option. Both switches offer different subjective qualities, but they both excel in their own unique aspects. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and perfect clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is recommended. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the type of typing feel and sound profile you are looking for. Both switches have their unique qualities, so take into consideration the characteristics that best suit your needs when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Ayara Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more