SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Luciola, both of which are linear switches. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft, along with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile is akin to a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." While these generalities can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the specific characteristics of each switch, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their characteristics and resulting sound profiles. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Luciola incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound to users.
While the housing materials of the Ayara and Luciola differ, they both bring unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Ayara ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a unique auditory feedback when typing. Similarly, the INK blend top housing of the Luciola contributes to a relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp sound profile, giving users a distinct clacky sensation. Therefore, despite their differences, both switches offer a noteworthy sound experience, albeit with varying characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ayara and Luciola employ nylon material. This choice of housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, considering nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. So, regardless of whether one chooses the Ayara or Luciola, they can expect a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing. However, it's important to note that the contribution of the top housing, as mentioned earlier, will influence the sound when releasing a key, adding some variation to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara switch has an actuation force of an unknown amount, while the Luciola switch has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara at 62 grams and the Luciola at 60 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. This lighter weight allows for easier keystrokes and reduces fatigue. For these users, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation force and slightly lower bottom out force.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, wanting a more substantial typing experience. These users may prefer switches with heavier forces. While the Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, its bottom out force of 62 grams suggests a slightly heavier switch compared to the Luciola.
Overall, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience. If the actuation forces were known, it could indicate further differences between the two switches. However, without this information, it can be assumed that both switches would yield similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out for most users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we find that the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Luciola is the shorter option. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.6 mm is on the shallower side. This means that the Ayara provides a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Luciola. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent in recent times, particularly favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Luciola may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance feel too abrupt, and may prefer the Ayara for its hearty depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will hinge on personal preference.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a soft bottom-out feel. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp and snappy. It also has a chirpy and marbly sound, making it unique in comparison. Both switches are high-pitched, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. However, the Ayara switch has a softer and more clacky sound, while the Luciola switch has a more distinct and percussive sound. Keep in mind that the sound can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This is thanks to its smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is snappy and buttery, offering a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a medium heft, making them suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. However, the Ayara switch focuses more on the polished feel, while the Luciola switch emphasizes the snappy and buttery feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile with a soft bottom-out feel, along with a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a unique sound profile with a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound, along with a snappy and buttery feel. While they offer different qualities, both switches have a medium heft, making them suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Thus, depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar typing experiences with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, then the Ayara switches are recommended for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for switches that are visually appealing and offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, then the Luciola switches would be a great choice.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. However, if you prefer a switch that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, then the Luciola switches with their clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound options would be more suitable for your auditory preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ayara switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are known for their snappy and buttery feel, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and Luciola switches boils down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and visual aesthetics. Consider the descriptions provided and choose the switch that aligns best with your ideal mechanical keyboard experience.
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