SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a linear typing experience with unique features. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe stands out for its Gateron's dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses, along with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation and a subtle sound signature. While the Ayara offers a polished and high-pitched profile, the Lunar Probe's categorization is not specified. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The difference in housing materials between the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Lunar Probe is quite clear. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Lunar Probe use nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound, making them more alike in this aspect. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound experience cannot be overlooked. The qualities brought by the bottom housing come into play when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. This demonstrates how even with the same housing material, slight variations can affect the overall typing experience.
It is important to consider how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch. With the Ayara having a different top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts of the switch. The impact of the top housing is noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. Conversely, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Understanding these differences allows for a more in-depth analysis of how housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch differ significantly. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, while the Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Lunar Probe lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, heavier than the Lunar Probe's 50 grams bottom out force. This means that the Ayara provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use may find the Lunar Probe more suitable, while individuals seeking a more significant keypress may opt for the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. In this case, the Lunar Probe has the shorter travel distance. Although the 0.4mm difference may not seem significant, it can make a difference in terms of responsiveness and feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ayara. Both switches offer a balance between the traditional and shallow travel distances, providing options for different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing habits and preferences.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
The Ayara linear switch is best known for providing a perfectly clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a moderate sound profile with a hint of high-pitched tones. This switch also offers a soft bottom-out feel, creating a satisfying typing experience with its medium heftiness. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch excels in providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, coupled with a subtle sound signature. While the sound profile of both switches is dependent on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the Ayara leans towards a more neutral and high-pitched sound, while the Lunar Probe offers a smoother and more subtle sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ayara is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and provides smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is unknown. However, based on its innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, it can be inferred that the Lunar Probe may offer a stable and reliable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ayara excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a polished feel for a hearty typing experience, the Lunar Probe stands out for its smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a stable keypress mechanism. Depending on whether you prefer a more neutral or high-pitched sound, or a polished and refined feel, you can achieve similar satisfactory results with either switch by considering your specific typing preferences and setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium heftness and a clacky sound profile, opt for the Ayara switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, then the Lunar Probe switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what suits your typing needs best.
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