SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Light Tactile. The Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a robust typing experience. This linear switch provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches fall under the 'Neutral' and 'Polished' categories, but differ in terms of pitch, with Ayara being high-pitched and Light Tactile being mild. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Light Tactile differ significantly in terms of the plastic used. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile is especially useful for those interested in RGB lighting, given its translucency.
Both the Ayara and the Light Tactile share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in enhancing the typing experience.
Overall, the key difference lies in the top housing of these switches. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a softer and more absorptive sound, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer sound. These variations in sound profile can greatly influence the overall typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches provide a similar result with their nylon material, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara switch has an actuation force that is currently unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, which can be categorized as medium. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, which is lighter than the Ayara switch's unknown force. The Light Tactile switch also has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Light Tactile switch due to its lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. In contrast, individuals seeking a more pronounced and substantial typing feel may opt for the Ayara switch, assuming it has a heavier actuation force. This can provide a satisfying push while typing.
While specific actuation force information for the Ayara switch is not available, its bottom out force of 62 grams suggests a comparable typing experience to the Light Tactile switch. Both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a similar level of resistance when fully pressing the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the exact same distance of travel. Whether you opt for the Ayara or the Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance. Thus, there is no significant difference between the two in this aspect, as both switches offer the same distance of travel.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Ayara linear switch is known for its perfectly clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. It is a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, which contributes to a more unique typing experience. It is also a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. Both switches offer a similar sound experience, with a slight difference in character.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as having a soft bottom-out feel, providing a comfortable and hearty typing experience. It is a polished switch, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is known for its angelic tactility. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Like the Ayara, it is also a polished switch, providing a sleek and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel, with the Ayara focusing on a hearty typing experience and the Durock Light Tactile offering a gentler and more tactile feel.
Considering the available information, the Ayara linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. Both switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, there are also distinct differences between the two. The Ayara provides a clacky sound profile and a soft bottom-out feel, while the Durock Light Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature and angelic tactility. Therefore, if you are looking for a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound, the Ayara would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and more tactile feel with a unique sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its 62g bottom out force provides a medium heftness that many users enjoy. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more gentle typing experience with angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch would be a better fit. With its 67g bottom out force, this switch offers a medium-heavy feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various use cases, and they also feature a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound. Consider your desired level of heft and tactility to determine which switch would provide the best typing experience for you.
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