SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Red are two popular choices to consider. The Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness that provides a hearty typing experience, making it a great option for those who prefer a robust feel. With its soft bottom-out feel and perfectly clacky sound profile, typing on these switches is a pleasure. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, while being effortless to type on. While these general characteristics can help you form an initial preference, let's delve deeper to determine which switch is truly the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Red switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while still maintaining a satisfying thin quality that is often described as clacky.
Similarly, when comparing the bottom housing materials of the Ayara and Ink Red switches, it is evident that they have differing sound profiles as well. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorption of sound by the relatively softer nylon plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the key. Conversely, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, creating a thin and higher-pitched clacky sound when bottoming out.
In terms of overall sound experience, the Ayara's housing materials provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Ink Red's housing materials contribute to a thinner and higher-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, and the choice between them depends on personal preference. If a user prefers a duller and rounder sound, the Ayara's nylon housing is a suitable option. On the other hand, if a user prefers a thin and clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housing would be a better choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, while the Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ayara at 62 grams and the Ink Red at 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Red with its lower actuation force could be a more suitable choice. The lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ayara, as it provides a stronger push experience. The Ayara's higher bottom out force of 62 grams offers a satisfying tactile feedback during keystrokes.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and Gateron Ink Red linear switches differ in their actuation forces, with the Ink Red being lighter. However, they share a similar bottom out force, ensuring a comparable typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel, with the Ayara offering a more forceful experience and the Ink Red providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience 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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most typing preferences. However, the Ayara is said to have a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, while the Ink Red is reported to have a crispy and clacky sound profile, with a unique chirpy characteristic. The choice of board and keycaps can also affect the sound produced by these switches. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound, you can expect similar results with either switch, while the Ink Red offers an additional chirpy element.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Red switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches share the descriptor of being polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. Therefore, while the Ink Red provides additional smoothness and a milder feel, the Ayara also offers a polished typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Ink Red switches have their own unique qualities. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound, the Ayara switch would be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smoother feel with a chirpy sound, the Ink Red switch would be a better choice. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and polished feel, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing style, sound, and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
The Ayara switch, with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. It provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch has a lower actuation force of 60 grams, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a satisfyingly smooth feel, a crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Ayara has a higher-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Ink Red has a unique chirpy sound, adding a little squeak to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. The Ink Red switch, on the other hand, offers a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance. Additionally, it is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a hearty typing experience and a higher-pitched sound, the Ayara switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a lighter typing style, a chirpy sound, and a silky smooth feel, the Ink Red switch might be the better option for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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