SP-Star Ayara vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Brown. The Ayara switch is a linear switch, known for its medium heft and hearty typing experience. It provides a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. One word that best encapsulates the MX Browns is subtlety. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Brown switches share several similarities. Both switches use nylon as their top and bottom housing material, which is considered a classic in switch housing materials. Typing on switches that use nylon in their construction elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder materials, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound.
However, despite their similarities, there are also some differences between the two switches. Firstly, the Ayara's nylon top housing may have a slightly different effect on the sound when you let go of a key compared to the MX Brown's nylon top housing. As the top housing has more of an impact on the sound during key release, these small variations between the two switches' nylon top housings may result in slightly different sound profiles upon key release.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Ayara and the MX Brown switches may also have some subtle differences. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the impact experienced when fully depressing a key. While both the Ayara and the MX Brown utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, there might be nuanced distinctions in the overall tactile feedback and sound produced during bottom-out between the two switches.
In summary, while the nylon housing materials used in the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Brown switches have similar characteristics such as providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, variations in their top and bottom housing materials may result in slight differences in sound upon key release and in the tactile feedback during bottom-out. Nonetheless, the overall experience and sound produced by these switches will have comparable attributes due to the shared use of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Ayara switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in terms of grams, while the MX Brown switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the MX Brown switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ayara switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara switch requires 62 grams of force for bottoming out, while the MX Brown switch requires 55 grams. In this aspect, the Ayara switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the MX Brown switch.
Considering the significance of weight in a keyboard, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the MX Brown switch more suitable for their needs. The lighter actuation force of the MX Brown switch allows for extended periods of typing without causing excessive fatigue, making it perfect for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara switch, with its heavier bottom out force.
Although the specific values for the actuation force of the Ayara switch are currently unknown, it can be inferred that both switches fall within the medium range of force. However, due to the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the MX Brown switch, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find similar results to the Ayara switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the tactile feedback and typing experience. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. With a 4 mm travel distance, users can expect a similar level of key travel and feedback when pressing down on either switch. This ensures that typing on both switches will yield comparable results in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom. Therefore, whether one chooses the SP-Star Ayara or the Cherry MX Brown, they can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm for a comfortable and satisfying 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a sound that is neither too sharp nor too deep, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the MX Brown tactile switch provides a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range. This creates a deeper and richer sound during key presses. If you prefer a more subtle and mellow tone, the MX Brown would be a better choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured or scratchy. This indicates that it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Ayara linear switch and the MX Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara provides a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, appealing to users who value subtlety. While the Ayara has a polished feel with reduced friction, the MX Brown has a textured feel with noticeable friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and typing preferences. However, it's important to note that both switches can provide similar results in terms of typing functionality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you value subtlety and a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a relatively light typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switch falls under the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The MX Brown switch, on the other hand, produces a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The MX Brown switch, on the other hand, is textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which may be preferred by some users for a more tactile typing experience.
In the end, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as typing experience, sound profile, and feel to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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