SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Master mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ayara, known for its medium heftiness, provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Master switch from Dareu strikes a medium weight balance, offering a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Master is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Depending on whether you prioritize the typing experience, sound profile, or smoothness in operation, each switch has its own strengths. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Master, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ayara features a nylon top and bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Master uses a POM top and bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile on the deeper side that is relatively more muted. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinctive sound characteristics.
In terms of sound production, the housing materials of the Ayara and Master switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Ayara contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the POM top housing of the Master creates a pleasing and unique deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Master adds to the overall muted sound quality. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Master showcases the importance of material selection in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each aim to provide a deep and pleasing typing experience through their respective sound characteristics. Whether it be the nylon top and bottom housing of the Ayara or the POM top and bottom housing of the Master, users can expect a tactile and sonically satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Master has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the actuation force of the Ayara is not specified and the bottom out force of the Master is unknown. This means that the Ayara is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Master is lighter in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Master, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dareu Master has the shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara. The Ayara with its 4 mm travel distance falls more into the traditional category, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Master's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prioritize depth or quick keypresses. Both switches offer unique benefits, so selecting the right one will come down to individual needs 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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 offers a soft bottom-out feel accompanied by a perfectly clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a moderate sound profile with a touch of sharpness. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch provides a classic clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive. While both switches fall in the medium weight category, the Ayara leans towards a neutral sound profile, appealing to a broader range of users, while the Master's clacky sound may cater more to those who prefer a sharper sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Dareu Master linear switch, on the other hand, is noted for its mild typing experience, offering a gentler feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches boast a polished finish, contributing to their sleek typing experiences, but the Ayara's emphasis on a smoother bottom-out feel may be more appealing to users seeking a refined typing sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a medium weight switch with a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, ideal for those looking for a hearty typing experience, the Master offers a clacky sound signature and a mild feel, catering to users who prefer a classic clacky sound with a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options delivering reliable performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium weight switch with a hearty typing experience and a soft bottom-out feel, then the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. The Ayara offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clacky sound signature with exceptional smoothness in operation, then the Dareu Master linear switch is the better choice for you. The Master switch strikes a medium weight balance and offers a clacky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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