SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the differences in their characteristics. The Ayara is a linear switch best known for its medium heftiness, offering a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is also a linear switch, but it stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. While the Ayara may appeal to those looking for a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Cold Plum caters to enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cold Plum switches are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This similarity in material choice for both the top and bottom housing of the switches means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, as seen in some cases, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials can lead to a varied typing experience depending on the specific switch design and construction.
Overall, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cold Plum switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softness of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound that is preferred by many users for its rounder tone. Whether the housing materials are the same or different, the choice of nylon as the material for switch housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and typing experience of mechanical keyboards using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it light in terms of initial keystroke activation, while the Cold Plum requires 60 grams to actuate, providing a slightly heavier feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which is a medium weight, while the Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Ayara more suitable for longer typing sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may be more inclined towards the Cold Plum for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Ayara's 4 mm. The Ayara is more traditional in terms of travel distance, providing a deeper press when typing, while the Cold Plum is more shallow, offering a faster response time that may be preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - those who prefer a deeper press may opt for the Ayara, while those seeking a faster response time may opt for the Cold Plum. Both switches offer benefits depending on individual use cases and preferences.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique typing experience with a more distinct and satisfying sound. While the Ayara gives off a clacky sound, the Cold Plum offers a different type of auditory feedback that some enthusiasts may prefer for its richness and bassiness.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to its smooth finish and reduced friction. This can result in a sleek and enjoyable typing feel for users who appreciate a well-lubricated switch. Unfortunately, the feel of the Cold Plum switch is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares to the polished feel of the Ayara.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer different sound profiles and potentially different typing feels. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users may find one switch more suitable than the other. However, both switches are linear, providing a consistent keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click. Therefore, if you enjoy linear switches, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either the Ayara or the Cold Plum switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force along with a thocky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and a satisfying typing feel, the Cold Plum switch is a great choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Whichever switch you choose, both the Ayara and Cold Plum offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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