SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Oil King are both remarkable mechanical keyboard switches, known for their linear design. The Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness, making it perfect for individuals seeking a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a delightfully clacky sound profile, it brings a unique satisfaction to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that evokes the sensation of snapping into a dark chocolate bar. The Oil King switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience that is sure to please. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Oil King, specifically the nylon top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize nylon as the top housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience when using both the Ayara and the Oil King switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, there is a noticeable contrast between the Ayara's nylon bottom housing and the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in the Ayara switch complements the top housing by further enhancing the deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a distinct sound profile characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. This unique blend creates a satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched sound often described as clacky. The difference in bottom housing materials allows for a varied typing experience between the Ayara and Oil King switches.
When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing and the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing will showcase their respective qualities. If users prefer a deeper and fuller sound coupled with a softer bottom-out feel, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing would be more suitable. On the other hand, if users enjoy a pointed and high-pitched sound with a slightly clacky feel, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing would be preferred. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, and both the Ayara and Oil King switches feature nylon top housing, resulting in a similar sound experience when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, despite both switches utilizing nylon as the top housing material, the Ayara and Oil King switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a distinct pointed and high-pitched sound. Depending on the user's preference for bottom-out sound and feel, the choice between the two switches can be based on the characteristics of their respective bottom housings. However, in terms of the sound when releasing a key, the nylon top housing of both switches provides a similar typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some noteworthy differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Ayara's exact force is unavailable, while the Oil King requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. While we don't have the exact measurement for the Ayara, we can assume that it falls within a similar range. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara demands 62 grams of force, which is considered medium, whereas the Oil King requires 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is important to note that some individuals prefer a lighter weight switch for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming sessions. This allows for reduced finger fatigue and increased endurance. On the other hand, some users prefer the satisfying and substantial experience of a switch with a heavier actuation force, as it provides a stronger push feel during typing.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Ayara and the Oil King is similar, with the exact value being unavailable for the Ayara, the bottom out force of the Ayara is lighter at 62 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an essential factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, both options offer a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Oil King switches provide similar results.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its perfectly clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral or high-pitched depending on your preference. The neutral sound profile provides a moderate and versatile sound that suits most intents and purposes, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the high-pitched option of the Ayara switch is a great choice.
In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. This sound can be characterized as low-pitched and bassy, providing a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. If you enjoy a deeper and bass-heavy sound experience, the Oil King switch is an excellent option.
When it comes to the feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. Typing on the Ayara switch provides a soft bottom-out feel, giving you a hearty and comfortable typing experience.
Similarly, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches are known for their smoothness and effortless gliding sensation when typing. The application of lubricant at the factory and specific materials used contribute to the overall buttery and polished feel of the Oil King switch.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile with a medium actuation force and a polished feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a creamy and silky feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. If you enjoy a neutral switch with a medium actuation force and moderate sound profile, the Ayara switch is a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a lower-pitched, bass-heavy sound with a smooth and buttery typing feel, the Oil King switch is an excellent option. Both switches offer specific qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we particularly recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium heftness that will satisfy those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you value buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is an excellent choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the Ayara switch. The Oil King switch is described as offering a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, with enhanced smoothness and minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds depth and richness to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Ayara and Gateron Oil King linear switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a hearty and clacky typing experience with a polished feel, the Ayara switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Oil King switch will be a perfect fit for you. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, ensuring a delightful typing experience for any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
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