SP-Star Ayara vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and Cherry MX Red are two popular options to consider. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, high-pitched, polished. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is also a linear switch but with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. It is categorized as thocky, low-pitched, textured. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a softer, clackier typing experience, the Ayara may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red could be the better choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Red utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile being produced. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This makes both the Ayara and the MX Red switches ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their top and bottom housings, they may differ in terms of the overall typing feel. The qualities brought by the bottom housing, such as the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, will be more pronounced in the Ayara compared to the MX Red due to potential design variations. On the other hand, the sound profile when releasing a key may be more influenced by the top housing material in the MX Red switch. These subtle differences in design can lead to variations in typing experience between the two switches, catering to different user preferences.
In conclusion, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Red switches offers similar advantages in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. While there may be slight variations in typing feel between the two switches based on the design of their top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound and tactile feedback from either option.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the MX Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force unknown. This makes the MX Red lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Ayara switch. The actuation force is crucial for triggering a keystroke, with lighter forces being preferred by some for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry MX Red linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before bottoming out. This similarity in travel distance indicates that the typing experience on both switches will be consistent and predictable. Whether you choose the SP-Star Ayara or the Cherry MX Red, you can expect a smooth linear typing experience with a moderate amount of 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a thocky, deep, and satisfying sound that can add auditory depth to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Ayara being more clacky and the MX Red having a richer, deeper tone. However, depending on the user's preference for sound, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is known for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the subtle texture of the MX Red for added feedback, while others may prefer the smoother feel of the Ayara switch. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, ultimately influencing the typing feel for the user.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a clacky sound profile and a polished feel with the Ayara, or a thocky sound profile and a textured feel with the MX Red, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either switch, ensuring a customized typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium heftness and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the MX Red switch could be more suited to your taste. Additionally, if you appreciate a polished and smooth typing experience, the Ayara switch may be the better option, while if you prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction, the MX Red switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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