SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch with a medium heftiness that provides a hearty typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feel while typing. Its soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile set it apart, appealing to those who prioritize both comfort and sound. On the other hand, the Miaowu Switch from KTT boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to its utilization of POK in the stem. This switch is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, offering a different typing experience compared to the Ayara. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Miaowu switches provide distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, with a duller and rounder tone due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. While both materials offer unique auditory experiences, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing mirrors its top housing in creating a consistent deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing provides a similar tactile feel to its top housing, with a softer plastic composition for a rounder sound experience.
The choice of housing materials in switches can also impact the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. The Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing, being clear and translucent, allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In comparison, the Ayara's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of versatility in terms of lighting effects. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which maintain a classic and timeless look. While the materials used in the housing of these switches serve primarily functional purposes, they also contribute to the overall design and appearance of the keyboard.
In terms of performance, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining sound and tactile feedback. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housings in the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Miaowu switches can significantly affect the typing experience, with nylon housing offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, understanding the differences in housing materials can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required, while the Miaowu switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter compared to the Ayara. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams for the key to bottom out, which is considered medium, whereas the Miaowu only requires 50 grams, making it lighter. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Miaowu to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Miaowu's 3.5 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of what is considered to be a standard travel distance for switches. The Ayara offers a bit more depth in its travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Miaowu provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those seeking faster response times and a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for 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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Its clacky sound profile adds a satisfying crispness to each key press, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its distinct clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive sound experience that stands out during typing sessions. Depending on the overall setup of your keyboard, including the housing and keycaps used, the sound produced by these switches may vary slightly.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. This polished feel contributes to a sleek and comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for extended use. Conversely, the Miaowu switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. This bouncy feel can enhance typing speed and accuracy for users who prefer a more tactile response from their switches.
Overall, when comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Ayara switch provides a neutral sound profile with a polished typing experience, the Miaowu switch stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feedback. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience with reliable performance. Experimenting with different setups and configurations can further customize the sound and feel of these switches to suit your individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, then the Ayara switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and smoother keystroke action with stem stability and a bouncy feedback sensation, then the Miaowu switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to your personal typing style and preference for sound and feel. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your daily typing tasks.
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