SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness that caters to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience, with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed for discreet typing in office environments, providing a quiet yet comfortable typing experience. While the Ayara switch is characterized by its high-pitched and polished feel, the Mountain Top switch is known for its bouncy, easy-to-press nature. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mountain Top, both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either of these models will result in a similar experience of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. The sound produced by both switches will be duller and rounder compared to switches made with harder plastics.
While both the Ayara and the Mountain Top switches share the same housing material in nylon, the design of the switches may impact how the sound profile is perceived during typing. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This difference in housing design could potentially lead to slight variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Mountain Top may come down to personal preference in terms of design and feel, as both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing materials. Whether you prefer the sound profile created by the softer nylon plastic of the Ayara or the Mountain Top, both options provide a deep and full sound that is unique to nylon switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their nylon housing materials, making them excellent options for those seeking a switch with a softer sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In terms of actuation force, the Ayara does not specify a specific force, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the switch all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top switch, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the SP-Star Ayara switch. Ultimately, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of switches can help users choose the ideal option based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara switch. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances can result in quicker actions during gameplay. On the other hand, the Ayara switch with a longer travel distance may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Gateron Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a clacky and medium-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch delivers a quiet and neutral sound, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, ensuring a versatile sound profile suitable for various settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and improved key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience ideal for prolonged periods of typing. The Mountain Top switch also falls under the mild and subtle categories, ensuring a comfortable and approachable typing feel suitable for different preferences. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished typing feel, ideal for those seeking a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch offers a quiet sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, catering specifically to office environments where discretion and comfort are key. Depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ayara or Mountain Top switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with each.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience tailored for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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