SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Lime. The Ayara is a linear switch that offers a medium heftness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, typing on the Ayara switches is a delight. On the other hand, the Lime switches are tactile and boast some unique features. They are incredibly lightweight, offer an approachable tactility, and are silenced. If you're a fan of tactile switches and want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Lime switches are perfect for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Lime both feature nylon top and bottom housings, making them quite similar in terms of their housing materials. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that offers several advantages. Typing on switches with nylon housings leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This is because the relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Ayara and Lime switches are likely to provide similar sound profile characteristics due to their shared nylon housing material.
However, while both switches have nylon top and bottom housings, the division of qualities between the top and bottom differs. When using the Ayara switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. On the other hand, the Lime switch follows a similar pattern, where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Although they have different brand names, the Ayara and Lime switches offer comparable experiences due to their shared nylon housing material.
In summary, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Lime switches utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound enhances the typing experience, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the Ayara and Lime switches share these characteristics, the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings differ slightly, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Nevertheless, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their common use of nylon as the housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences. The Ayara switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Lime's 35-gram actuation force. However, it is worth noting that the Lime has a significantly lighter actuation force. This means that keystrokes can be triggered with a lighter touch on the Lime switch, offering a more responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Ayara switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is heavier than the Lime switch's 45 grams. This suggests that the Ayara switch requires a firmer press to fully activate the keystroke, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. For those seeking a lighter switch, the Lime would be the preferred choice, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. However, for those who desire a stronger push feel, the Ayara would provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, individual preferences and typing requirements will dictate which switch is more suitable, but it is important to consider the actuation and bottom out forces when making a decision.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional depth. On the other hand, the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers often favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Lime a suitable choice for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, the Ayara, with its longer travel distance, would be a preferable option. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is also considered high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is also described as neutral, but it is specifically labeled as muted. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ayara switch would be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lime switch would be a better choice.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lime switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and also polished. This means it offers a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switch also has a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. Therefore, if you prefer a smoother and more refined feel while typing, the Ayara switch would be more suitable. However, if you prefer a gentle and feather-light typing experience, the Lime switch would be the better option.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Ayara switch is best for those who prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lime switch is perfect for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, along with a muted sound. If you prioritize a sharp and crisp sound with a polished feel, the Ayara switch would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a gentle and feather-light feel, the Lime switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. It has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, making it ideal for those who desire a bit more weight in their keystrokes. Additionally, the Ayara has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lightweight switch that offers a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a gentle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They are also silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, and have a subtle and polished feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara linear switch and the Lime tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a heavier and clacky typing experience, go for the Ayara. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and quieter typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Lime is the way to go. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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