SP-Star Ayara vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, finding the right balance between comfort and sound profile is crucial. For those seeking a hearty typing experience, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch stands out. With its medium heftiness, it provides a satisfying bottom-out feel and emits a perfectly clacky sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more subdued typing experience. It is easy to push and has a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches fall under the 'Neutral' category, but the Ayara is categorized as 'High-pitched' while the Meteor White is labeled as 'Mild' and 'Thocky'. The Ayara is known for its polished feel, while the Meteor White offers a polished finish as well. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Meteor White are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, both switches would offer similar results.
Where the two switches differ is in their top and bottom housing materials. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, ensuring consistent sound characteristics throughout the switching process. On the other hand, the Meteor White also incorporates nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. However, the distribution of these qualities may vary slightly. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. So, although the overall sound profile may be similar for both switches, the tactile experience may differ based on the specific housing materials used.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Meteor White share the same housing material, nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the overall sound experience will still be quite similar. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Ayara and the Meteor White will ultimately come down to personal preferences for tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Ayara is currently unavailable in grams, while the Meteor White also has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches are described as having a medium bottom out force of 62 grams for the Ayara and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57 grams for the Meteor White.
The difference in actuation force between the two switches remains unknown, making it difficult to compare them in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ayara is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Meteor White's 57 grams. This means that the Ayara provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.
Weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some users may prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, whether it be for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more tactile sensation and a significant keystroke may find the heavier force of the Ayara to be preferable.
Overall, if users are specifically looking for lighter switches, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Meteor White can provide similar results in terms of actuation force as it remains unknown for both. However, for those who prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ayara would be the better option, while the Meteor White offers a slightly lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the personal preferences and typing needs of the individual user.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results to the user.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 perfectly clacky sound profile with a medium actuation force requirement. This switch produces a neutral sound that is not overly rich or bassy, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. It falls under the category of neutral sound as well, but with a more subdued tone. This switch is easy to push and offers a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Overall, both switches have unique sound profiles, with the Ayara offering a clacky sound and the Meteor White providing a gentle and thocky sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is known for its polished and smooth typing experience. The materials used and factory lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Like the Ayara switch, it also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a refined feel, but the Ayara switch emphasizes its polished nature, while the Meteor White switch focuses on providing a mild and approachable experience.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara and Meteor White linear switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a medium heftness and hearty typing experience, with a clacky sound and polished feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a gentle and subdued typing experience, with a thocky sound and a mild feel. While they have their differences, both switches fall under the category of neutral sound and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall sound and feel, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a hearty typing experience and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would suit you best. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a solid feel while typing. In terms of sound, Ayara switches fall into the neutral category, but with a high-pitched profile for a sharp and crisp sound. As for feel, Ayara switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle linear switch, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches are easy to push and offer a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. In terms of sound, Meteor White switches are also classified as neutral but have a thocky profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. In terms of feel, Meteor White switches are described as mild and polished, offering a more approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a hearty and clacky typing experience (Ayara) or a more subdued and gentle typing experience (Meteor White). Both options provide a medium-bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.
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