SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cream Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer different characteristics. The Ayara is known for its medium weight, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. It provides a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, categorized as "neutral", "high-pitched", and "polished". On the other hand, the Cream Pink does not have any specific features listed but is known for its smooth linear feel. Ultimately, the Ayara may appeal to those seeking a more tactile typing experience, while the Cream Pink is suitable for those who prioritize smoothness. 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
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Cream Pink utilize nylon as the material for their switch housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feeling when using either switch.
In terms of construction, the Ayara features a nylon top housing that enhances the sound profile while typing. The Cream Pink also boasts a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, differences may arise in how the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, as this aspect is influenced by the top housing material. Despite this potential variance, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to the use of nylon in their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. In this aspect, both the Ayara and Cream Pink utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel while pressing down on keys. This similarity in construction materials guarantees that users can expect similar qualities in the typing experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it's evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Cream Pink has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The actuation force of the Ayara isn't provided, but the Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Cream Pink would require slightly less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Pink may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ayara's slightly heavier bottom out force may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive when typing or gaming. Users can expect a consistent experience in terms of key travel with both switches, as they provide the same level of feedback and tactile feel. With neither switch having a shorter or longer travel distance than the other, choosing between the SP-Star Ayara and Outemu Cream Pink would come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, and overall build quality. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Cream Pink 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 is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. With a moderate actuation force requirement, the Ayara switch produces a clacky sound that is not too high-pitched, providing a satisfying typing experience for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is recognized for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used in the Ayara switch, as well as potential factory lubing, contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Cream Pink switch is not available at this time.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a clacky sound and a polished feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience with smooth key travel. While information about the Outemu Cream Pink switch's sound and feel is not provided in this comparison, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel by considering factors such as actuation force requirement, sound profile preferences, and typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heftness and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound, the Ayara switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile, the Cream Pink switch could be the better option. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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