SP-Star Ayara vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the linear SP-Star Ayara and the tactile Bsun Olive switches. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness and offers a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches stand out with their all-POM housings and deliver a resonant, deep sound along with pronounced tactile feedback due to a unique design and long pole stem. The Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', while the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Deciding between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear feel with a clacky sound or a tactile feel with a deep, resonant sound. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Olive both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Ayara featuring nylon top and bottom housing while the Olive utilizes POM for both components. The Ayara's nylon top housing is praised for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing produces a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar result in terms of sound quality, with each providing a distinctive sound profile for users to enjoy.
On the other hand, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing and the Olive's POM bottom housing share similar characteristics in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials are known for absorbing sound effectively, resulting in a more rounded and dull sound that enhances the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is notable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes. In contrast, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch.
While the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Olive may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Ayara's combination of nylon top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Olive's POM housing delivers a more muted and pleasing sound experience. Whether it's the softer and more absorbing nature of nylon or the distinct sound of POM, both switches provide users with a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have distinct differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it lighter when compared to the Olive, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, while the Olive is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Olive switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation force and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Ayara, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Olive. Overall, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy experience, but with slight variations in weight that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a shallower and potentially more responsive typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Olive for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Ayara. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet, suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound, giving off a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. While the Ayara focuses on a softer and clacky sound, the Olive switch emphasizes a rich and bassy tone, catering to different preferences in sound profiles depending on personal preference and typing environment.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is characterized by its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers an invigorating feel with its pronounced tactile feedback, creating a snappy and responsive typing sensation. With an accented tactile bump and sharp tactile feedback, the Olive switch ensures a tactile experience that is distinct and immersive, making each keystroke feel satisfying and engaging.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a moderate sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Bsun Olive delivers a deep and resonant sound with invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a softer clacky sound with a polished feel or a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we recommend the Ayara linear switches. These switches are best for those who prefer a medium actuation force and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with pronounced feedback and a deep, resonant sound, the Bsun Olive switches with their medium-heavy bottom-out force are the way to go. These switches offer an invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Ayara linear switch and Bsun Olive tactile switch will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Choose wisely based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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