SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Gold offer distinct typing experiences. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing feel. With a soft bottom-out sensation and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gold switch by Outemu is a clicky switch that lacks specific standout features. When deciding between these two switches, you may prefer the Ayara for its tactile feedback and sound profile, while the Gold may be suitable for users looking for a more traditional typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
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 Gold switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gold switch opts for a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant and clear. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
On the other hand, both the Ayara and Gold switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the top housing. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that the typing experience remains consistent in terms of sound and feel across both switches. The softer nature of nylon plastic aids in absorbing sound and creating a duller, rounder sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Ayara and Gold switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Ayara's nylon housing materials result in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold's polycarbonate housing materials produce a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound profile or a sharper, more resonant one, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are some distinct differences. The Ayara switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the bottom out force is 62 grams, which is considered to be a medium force. On the other hand, the Gold switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, also considered medium. In terms of weight, the Ayara switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Gold switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium force range overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent and equal amount of travel distance. This allows for a similar typing experience in terms of the physical feedback received when pressing the keys. Whether typing on a keyboard with the Ayara linear switch or the Gold clicky switch, the travel distance remains the same, providing users with a familiar and comfortable typing experience.
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 Gold 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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Its clacky sound adds a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a specified sound description, which makes it difficult to compare directly. However, if we consider the clicky nature of the switch, we can infer that it may provide a sharper and more pronounced click sound compared to the Ayara.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished typing experience, offering smooth and refined key presses that reduce friction and ensure a sleek typing feel. This results in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Gold switch remains unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, based on its clicky designation, we can assume that it offers a tactile feedback and distinct actuation feel due to the audible click produced with each key press.
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a polished typing feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a higher-pitched sound and a tactile typing experience, you may want to consider the Outemu Gold switch. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so trying out different switches in person or reading more reviews can help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium actuation force and a hearty typing feel, we recommend choosing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky sound profile with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Gold clicky switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and environment when making your choice.
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