SP-Star Ayara vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Black. Both of these switches fall under the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel with a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Black switches from Cherry have been further perfected with the introduction of their new Hyperglide tooling. This enhances the switches' classic textured smoothness, offering a familiar deep sound profile. While the Ayara is categorized as having a neutral, high-pitched, and polished feel, the MX Black is described as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide which is the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Black switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder materials, and as a result, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This adds to the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will be split between them. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Ayara and MX Black switches use nylon as their housing material, the specific design and composition of their top and bottom housings might result in subtle differences in sound and feel.
In terms of overall performance, the Ayara and MX Black switches are likely to offer similar results due to their shared use of nylon housing material. Both switches should provide a satisfying and deeper typing sound profile. The nylon bottom housings of the switches will enhance the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon top housings will contribute to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the minor differences that may arise from the specific design and composition, users can expect a comparable typing experience with regards to sound and feel from both the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Black switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ayara's actuation force is unfortunately unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the MX Black which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, both switches share a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara at 62 grams and the MX Black at a heavier 80 grams.
Weight becomes a crucial factor for individuals seeking a specific typing experience. Those desiring prolonged typing sessions may prefer a lighter switch, allowing for less fatigue over time. In this case, the Ayara's unknown actuation force may provide a similar result as the MX Black's 60-gram actuation force, potentially offering a lighter keystroke sensation.
On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may favor a keyboard with heavier forces. The MX Black's 80-gram bottom out force appeals to this preference, providing a stronger push and a more pronounced typing experience.
Ultimately, the Ayara switch's actuation force remains unknown, making it challenging to make a precise comparison. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Ayara is lighter than the MX Black, which may appeal to those seeking a less forceful typing experience. Alternatively, those preferring a heavier switch can opt for the MX Black, which offers a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it directly affects the tactile feedback and typing experience. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, providing users with a consistent experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you opt for the Ayara or the MX Black, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Ayara and MX Black switches offer different profiles. The Ayara is known for its clacky sound, which gives a satisfying and crisp response when typing. It falls under the neutral descriptor, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the MX Black has a deep sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone. If you prefer a richer and lower-pitched sound, the MX Black might be the right choice.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished experience. This means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, delivering a sleek sensation under your fingertips. As for the MX Black, it is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users appreciate the subtle texture that provides feedback, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free feel. Additionally, the MX Black is also considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. This can be beneficial for those who want to exert more pressure while typing.
Considering the information provided, the Ayara and MX Black switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a deep sound profile, a textured feel, and a stiffer actuation force requirement. This combination makes it ideal for users who enjoy a bass-heavy sound, noticeable feedback, and the need for additional force during typing. It's important to note that both sound and feel can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you are specifically looking for a similar typing experience, you can achieve comparable results by selecting either a clacky and polished switch or a deep and textured switch, depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. Additionally, the Ayara switches are described as having a polished feel, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you value Cherry's reputation for quality and are seeking a classic textured smoothness in your typing experience, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the perfect fit. These switches have a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, giving them a sturdy feel. Furthermore, the MX Black switches are known for their familiar deep sound profile.
The Ayara switches offer a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes, while the MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ayara switches would be more suitable for you.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switches have a textured feel, which may introduce noticeable friction when pressed. Additionally, the MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, making them stiffer compared to other switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider the bottom out force, sound description, and feel descriptors provided to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
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