SP-Star Ayara vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard landscape offers a variety of switches to cater to different preferences, with the SP-Star Ayara and Cherry Nixie standing out as excellent options for enthusiasts. The Ayara is a linear switch renowned for its medium heftiness, providing a satisfying typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie, also a linear switch, is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. While the Ayara offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Nixie provides a textured and thocky feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry Nixie are quite similar as both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. With both switches sharing the same housing material, users can expect to experience a similar sound and feel when typing on either the Ayara or the Nixie.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials, the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry Nixie may differ in their overall typing experience based on other factors such as spring weight, stem design, and switch activation force. While both switches may offer a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon housing, the actual actuation and feel of the switches could vary. Users may find that the Nixie has a slightly lighter touch or a different tactile feedback compared to the Ayara, which could impact their preference for one switch over the other.
In terms of design and construction, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Cherry Nixie play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and performance of the switches. The nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to a sound profile that is characterized by its depth and fullness, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. While the housing materials may be the same, nuances in other aspects of the switches such as spring weight and tactile feedback could influence the overall typing experience and preference for either the Ayara or the Nixie.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, making the Nixie slightly heavier in this aspect. When it comes to bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which is lighter compared to the Nixie's 80 grams, making the Nixie the heavier option for bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Ayara more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Nixie offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feel with their 4 mm travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a smooth linear switch. Whether you choose the Ayara or the Nixie, you can expect a similar typing experience 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a soft bottom-out feel with a perfectly clacky sound profile, giving it a high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch provides a thocky sound with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone, thanks to its low-pitched nature. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Ayara providing a sharper, crisp sound and the Nixie delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the higher-pitched clarity of the Ayara or the deep thud of the Nixie.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is considered textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the sleekness of the polished Ayara switch, while others may appreciate the tactile feedback of the textured Nixie switch. Ultimately, the decision between polished and textured switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. While the Ayara provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a polished, smooth feel, the Nixie offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience. Both switches are suitable for various intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or in a professional setting. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium heftness and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a deep, rich sound profile, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style.
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