SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique experiences for typists. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. This switch is best suited for those who enjoy a solid and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch is a versatile choice for various typing environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Mallo both use nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ayara utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Mallo uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
While both switches share the same bottom housing material of nylon, the difference in their top housing materials provides distinct sound characteristics. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference can impact the overall typing experience, with the Ayara offering a more muffled sound and the Mallo providing a more precise and defined sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Mallo's top housing allows for RGB lighting to be more prominently displayed, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
In terms of typing feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing material has more influence on the sound when a key is released. With the Ayara and Mallo having different top housing materials, users can expect variations in the sound and feel of their typing experience. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the Ayara's nylon top housing will provide a softer, duller sound, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing will deliver a crisper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires a light touch to trigger a keystroke, while the Mallo also has a None gram actuation force. However, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Mallo's bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Ayara provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Mallo, which offers a lighter touch. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light range, respectively. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mallo for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Ayara for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be said that they both offer a consistent travel distance experience for users. This means that whether you choose the Ayara or the Mallo, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 has a neutral sound profile with a clacky tone that is not too overpowering. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch also has a neutral sound profile but with a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer a moderate sound experience that is versatile for various typing environments, making them suitable for most users regardless of their preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery light press with little exertion required from the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mallo switch is also considered mild, with a subtle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Mallo switch is stepped, providing a more gradual tactile response compared to more pronounced tactile switches. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a polished feel, while the Mallo switch epitomizes subtlety and finesse with a neutral sound signature and a feathery tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the Ayara for a more hearty and clacky experience or the Mallo for a more subtle and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience suitable for a variety of users and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, a soft bottom-out feel, and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force, gentle tactility, a balanced typing feel, and a neutral sound signature that is versatile for different typing environments, the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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