SP-Star Ayara vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are distinct differences that make each switch unique. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With an accessible bottom-out force and stem material designed for effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ayara uses a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, creating a more muted and deeper sound profile. While both housing materials offer a similar deep sound, the Ayara's nylon top housing may provide a slightly rounder sound compared to the Milk Tea's POM top housing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ayara and Milk Tea diverge in their choices. The Ayara features a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM bottom housing, which offers a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. Both bottom housing types contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, enhancing the typing experience with their respective qualities.
While the Ayara and Milk Tea differ in their top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the sound profile of the switches remains evident. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Ayara and Milk Tea provide a rich and satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials contributing to their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium typing experience, while the Milk Tea is lighter with a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. The actuation force of the Ayara is not specified, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea switch for its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara switch with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more of a traditional distance compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. These differences may seem small, but they can make a significant impact on how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Gamers may prefer the Ayara switch for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more tactile and deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Milk Tea switch with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Ayara providing a bit more depth, while the Milk Tea offers a more rapid keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch provides a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound that is also muted, creating a balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with Ayara being more versatile and Milk Tea offering a distinct, refined auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, both the Ayara and Milk Tea switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This ensures that both switches deliver a comfortable and satisfying typing feel for users.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a neutral sound profile and a polished typing feel, the Milk Tea presents a unique high-pitched and muted sound combination with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and comfort for extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
In summarizing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you desire a medium bottom-out force and a clacky sound, the Ayara may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a polished and smooth typing feel, both switches offer this feature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and sound preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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