SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Ayara is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Mini i switches provide gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for office settings that require quiet professionalism. While the Ayara offers a medium heftness and a high-pitched, polished sound, the Mini i switches are lightweight, easy-to-press, and offer a bouncy, subtle feel. Both switches have their own unique advantages, but 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made from this material. It is also a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This shared characteristic between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, there may be slight variations in the overall sound and feel depending on how the top and bottom housings are designed. If the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of the housing material will be split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these differences can help users choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences in terms of typing experience.
Ultimately, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mini i offer a typing experience enhanced by the use of nylon in their switch housings. The nylon material's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as its sound-absorbing properties, contribute to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. Whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different, the shared characteristics of nylon ensure a consistent level of quality in terms of sound and feel when typing on these switches. Users can rely on the benefits of nylon housing to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either the Ayara or the Mini i.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the Ayara which has a bottom out force of 62 grams with an unknown actuation force. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ayara offers a more substantial feel with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we find that the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara. The Ayara offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Mini i provides a shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Mini i for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may opt for the Ayara. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Mini i providing quick feedback, and the longer travel distance of the Ayara offering a more substantial keypress.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Ayara offering a more noticeable and pronounced sound compared to the Mini i, which delivers a more subtle and muted typing noise.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance during key presses and a lively feedback sensation. The Ayara switch focuses on delivering a sleek and polished typing feel, while the Mini i switch offers a more dynamic and responsive typing experience with its bouncy and easy-to-press qualities.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a hearty typing experience with its clacky sound profile and polished feel, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switch offers a gentle and muted sound profile along with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for office environments and extended typing sessions. While they differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their own unique ways, providing users with satisfying and comfortable typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium heftiness with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a muted sound profile for long hours of comfortable typing in a professional setting, the Mini i switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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