SP-Star Ayara vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique features to consider. The Ayara, a linear switch, is known for its medium heftiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a solid typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Neo White, also a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel. The rare use of a Ly stem enhances the smooth actuation of the Neo White switch, offering a satisfying keystroke experience. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Neo White switch provides a different typing experience compared to the Ayara. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Haimu Neo White exhibit notable differences in terms of sound profile and material composition. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to their top housing counterparts. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound experience when typing on both the Ayara and Neo White switches. This similarity in bottom housing material helps maintain a cohesive typing experience across both switches.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Haimu Neo White ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Ayara offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing materials, the Neo White provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbing sound or a clearer, more resonant sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches allow for a diverse range of sound experiences for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Neo White the lighter option between the two, which can be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience. The Ayara, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing users with a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Ayara offering a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the lighter Neo White.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Neo White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Ayara offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Neo White falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Neo White due to its shorter travel distance, whereas those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Ayara. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preference, with the Ayara providing a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most typing needs. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch also provides a neutral sound profile, ensuring a versatile and balanced auditory experience. Both switches should offer a pleasant typing sound that is not overly loud or distracting, making them suitable for various environments.
In terms of feel, the 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 Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that should be approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ayara switch may appeal to those seeking a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Neo White switch is designed to provide a smooth and satisfying typing feel with a distinctive actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, given their similarities in sound and neutral characteristics, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall typing performance with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches with their medium weight may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly reduced total travel and smooth actuation for a distinctive typing feel, the Neo White switches with their rare use of a Ly stem may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a polished and refined typing experience with the Ayara switches or a mild and approachable typing experience with the Neo White switches. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and typing preferences. Choose wisely based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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