SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Lightning are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Ayara switches are renowned for their medium heft, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a robust typing experience. These switches offer a soft bottom-out feel and produce a satisfying clacky sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Lightning switches are specifically designed for speed-oriented tasks, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Typing on the Lightning switches provides a slick feel and a clacky sound profile. Both switches share some similarities, such as a high-pitched and polished sound profile. However, to make the best decision for your specific preferences, let's delve deeper into the nuances of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Lightning have different materials for their top housings. The Ayara uses nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound and aesthetics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housings will greatly impact your typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Ayara and the Lightning utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers similar characteristics for both switches. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Whether you choose the Ayara or the Lightning, you can expect a similar sound experience due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings.
Although the top and bottom housings of a switch may differ in material, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound profile when letting go of a key. Depending on your typing style and preferences, the choice between the Ayara and the Lightning may ultimately come down to which housing material, nylon or polycarbonate, aligns better with your desired sound and aesthetic outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ. The Ayara has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Lightning requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ayara has a force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the Lightning has a force of 50 grams, which is light. This means that the Ayara gives a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Lightning offers a lighter touch. Depending on personal preferences, the Ayara would be preferred by individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lightning would be favored by those who want a lighter typing experience. Overall, the Ayara is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Lightning is lighter, providing differing levels of tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, we find that the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Ayara has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience, while 3.0mm is the most shallow, offering a more responsive touch. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, while those seeking a more substantial feel might opt for the longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both options cater to different preferences, so ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences 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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is best described as having a clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be described as being bright and percussive. Additionally, it falls under the category of high-pitched switches, meaning it produces a sharp and crisp sound that is not rich or bassy. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch also has a clacky sound profile, similar to the Ayara. It too produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It also falls under the category of high-pitched switches. Overall, both switches offer a similar sound profile with the main difference being that the Ayara is not described as chirpy, while the Lightning has a unique chirpy sound. 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.
As for feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a soft bottom-out feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to a polished finish, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as having a slick type feel. It offers a subtle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Similar to the Ayara, the Lightning switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a sleek typing experience, although the Ayara is not specifically described as having a subtle resistance like the Lightning.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Lightning linear switches offer a clacky sound profile. They also provide a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Ayara is best known for its medium heftness and soft bottom-out feel, recommended for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, the Lightning is described as more approachable and suitable for fast-paced situations where milliseconds can make a difference. Despite these slight differences, it is likely that both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable options for individuals who enjoy a clacky sound and a polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect a satisfying typing feel and a clacky sound profile. The Ayara is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it versatile for use at home or work. Additionally, if you prefer a polished switch with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Ayara is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if speed and precision are your top priorities, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the way to go. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches are perfect for scenarios where milliseconds can make a difference. The Lightning switches offer a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, giving you a responsive and satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, the Lightning switches are suitable even for shared spaces.
Both switches have high-pitched sound profiles, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. If you enjoy this type of sound and want to avoid rich and bassy sound profiles, both the Ayara and Lightning switches are ideal choices.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Lightning switches boils down to your personal preferences. Consider factors such as typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel to choose the switch that suits your needs best. With the information provided, you can confidently make an informed decision and enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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