SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Matcha. The Ayara is a linear switch that is best known for its medium heftiness, making it perfect for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as a tactile switch. It provides a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing, and its long pole stem ensures a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. Categorized as stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle, the Matcha switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Matcha differ significantly, with the Ayara utilizing nylon and the Matcha featuring polycarbonate. The Ayara's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound quality. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it an ideal choice for the top housing.
Similarly, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing and the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing also showcase distinct characteristics. The nylon material in the Ayara's bottom housing adds to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate material in the Matcha's bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relative stiffness. The bottom housing's qualities significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, emphasizing the importance of the chosen material.
When both the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This distinction allows users to tailor their typing experience depending on their preferences, as the housing materials influence the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch.
In summary, the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Matcha showcase contrasting housing materials, with the Ayara featuring nylon and the Matcha utilizing polycarbonate. While the Ayara's nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Matcha's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. The chosen housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, also affects the overall feel of the switch, with nylon providing a softer touch and polycarbonate offering a stiffer sensation. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel allows individuals to select switches that best suit their typing preferences. However, if similar results are desired, it's worth noting that the sound profile of the Ayara's nylon top housing may be comparable to the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing, particularly when it comes to a duller and rounder sound character.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, while the Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Matcha requires a gentler touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. Additionally, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium in weight, while the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This suggests that the Ayara provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a heavier push to bottom out.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it impacts typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may opt for the Matcha, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals using their keyboard extensively for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ayara. Its heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying push feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and Matcha depends on personal preference and the desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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. It produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a more neutral sound, the Ayara is a good choice, while the Matcha provides a clacky and distinctive sound experience.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Ayara switch contribute to its polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch has multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as stepped, meaning it has a tactile response that feels like two stages. It also has a snappy feel, making it super responsive and giving a lively typing experience. Additionally, the Matcha is categorized as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Overall, the Ayara switch offers a polished feel, while the Matcha switch offers a stepped, snappy, and accented tactile experience.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best known for its hearty typing experience, soft bottom-out feel, and neutral sound profile. It provides a medium heftiness and polished feel, contributing to a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility. It offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha switch also has a clacky sound profile and multiple facets to its feel, including stepped, snappy, and accented characteristics. Both switches provide unique qualities, and the decision between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Ayara also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is a great choice. With a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, it provides a feathery and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Matcha offers a stepped feel and a clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and the Matcha depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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