SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Ayara is a linear switch that is best known for its medium heftness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on the Ayara switches provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is also a linear switch but stands out for not having a rubber dampener like its predecessor. This removal results in a crisper typing experience, while still maintaining the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel that Gateron is known for. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have significant differences. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic yields a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Ayara and the New North Pole V2 again diverge in material. The Ayara uses a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch's overall sound profile with a deep and full tone. The nylon's softness absorbs sound and contributes to a dull and round sound. Conversely, the New North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material ensures a clear and resonant sound. Moreover, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is the choice for switches featuring RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element.
In terms of overall impact, the nylon and polycarbonate materials offer contrasting qualities. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, with the Ayara's nylon bottom housing, users can experience a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing plays a vital role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound upon key release. Despite the divergent housing materials, users can achieve similar results when it comes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Ayara's force is unavailable, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ayara, although the exact force required for the Ayara is unknown.
Moving on to bottom out force, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category. This implies that they provide a similar typing experience when it comes to pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer lighter switches may find the New North Pole V2 favorable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ayara, although its specific actuation force remains unknown.
In conclusion, while the New North Pole V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Ayara, both switches share a similar bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, with lighter options being suitable for prolonged usage, and heavier options providing a more forceful typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is exactly the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches, resulting in a similar typing experience. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate sound when pressed. This makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of sound. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so different combinations can yield different results. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ayara switches may be a better choice based on their high-pitched characteristic.
In terms of feel, both the Ayara and New North Pole V2 switches are described as having a polished finish, which results in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is likely due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. The New North Pole V2 switches are also described as having a creamy feel, offering a silky sensation when typing as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, they are described as frictionless switches, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. In terms of feel, both switches offer a similar polished and smooth typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 switches having the added creaminess and frictionless feature.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switches are best known for their medium heftiness, hearty typing experience, soft bottom-out feel, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches are known for their crisper typing experience, frictionless typing feel, and maintained seamless glide and smoothness. While the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is unknown, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile, which may be preferred by those who don't like richer and bassier sound profiles. Both switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, but the New North Pole V2 switches have the additional creamy and frictionless characteristics for an even smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a hearty and clacky typing experience, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Ayara provides a satisfying feel when typing and produces a neutral sound profile. Additionally, the Ayara offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you value a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the New North Pole V2 maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a seamless glide and smoothness. The switch also has a polished finish, reducing friction and offering a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 does not have a rubber dampener, resulting in a snappier feel while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron New North Pole V2 comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a softer and clacky typing experience, the Ayara would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a crisper and frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 is the switch for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will provide the most enjoyable typing experience for you.
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