SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Medium Tactile. The Ayara is a linear switch that provides a medium heftiness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch offers a unique sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. The switch provides a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and unique attributes. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Medium Tactile differ significantly. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to be more visible within the switch, adding an aesthetic advantage. Although both housing materials have their unique attributes, they offer distinct auditory experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Medium Tactile incorporate nylon as the material of choice. Utilizing nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect of nylon in the top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, in terms of sound quality, the bottom housing materials of both switches offer similar results.
It is important to note that when a switch uses different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. This distribution affects the sound and feel of both the bottom-out and the release of a key. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Thus, the distinct housing materials of the Ayara and the Medium Tactile can have varying impacts on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, their actuation force and bottom out force show some similarities and differences. The Ayara has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Medium Tactile also has an undisclosed actuation force. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the actuation forces of these switches. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ayara requiring 62 grams and the Medium Tactile requiring 65 grams. This suggests that both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Ayara is lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing feel. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a firmer keystroke.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation force of both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is unavailable, their bottom out forces provide a basis for comparison. The Ayara offers a lighter typing experience, beneficial for extended usage, while the Medium Tactile provides a heavier and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Thus, both switches will provide similar results and tactile feedback 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Ayara linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced. The sound is described as clacky, giving a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The smoothness and reduced friction of these switches provide a satisfying feel when typing. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has several descriptors for its feel. It is often described as accented, which means it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is mentioned that the Medium Tactile switch may have a stepped feel, meaning it has two distinct stages in the keystroke. However, the extent of tactility and the specific feel of these switches are not further elaborated.
In conclusion, the Ayara linear switch is best known for its clacky sound profile and polished feel, providing a hearty typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The Medium Tactile switch, on the other hand, is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While specific sound qualities of the Medium Tactile switch are unknown, it offers a medium level of tactile feedback and may have a stepped feel. Both switches provide different subjective qualities, but they can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we highly recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. It offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Ayara switch has a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In terms of sound, the Ayara provides a neutral option for those who prefer a moderate sound profile or a high-pitched option for a sharp and crisp sound.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Medium Tactile offers a medium-heavy typing experience. It falls into the category of accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch also has a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a linear switch with a softer bottom-out feel and a clacky sound, go for the Ayara. If you lean towards a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound, the Medium Tactile is a great option. Consider the bottom out force, feel, and sound description of each switch to make an informed decision.
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