SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Peach both offer a linear typing experience. The Ayara switch is renowned for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for users who enjoy a substantial typing feel. With a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Milk Peach switch does not have any specific standout features but provides a smooth linear typing experience. If you are looking for a robust typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Ayara switch may be the perfect choice for you. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Peach, one key difference is evident in their top housings. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This variation in material leads to a difference in the overall sound produced by the switches, with the Ayara offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound of the Milk Peach.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Ayara and the Milk Peach utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. Despite the similarities in their bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience and sound produced by these switches may still differ due to the contrasting top housing materials used.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Ayara and the Milk Peach share a nylon bottom housing, their differing top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate lead to distinct sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Whether one prefers a duller, rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound will ultimately dictate the preference between these two switches.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning that it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Peach is unknown, so it is unclear how much resistance it provides when fully pressed. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ayara may be the better choice due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Ayara offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. On the other hand, the Milk Peach offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ayara being slightly longer and the Milk Peach being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience 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 Outemu Milk Peach 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have any specific sound description provided, so it is difficult to compare directly. Your overall sound experience with either switch will also depend on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ayara switch is described as polished, meaning it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Milk Peach switch. Again, individual preferences and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch feels better to you.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, making it suitable for a hearty typing experience, the information available for the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is limited. Without specific descriptors for sound and feel, it is challenging to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is worth considering trying out both switches if possible to see which one aligns better with your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are not too concerned about sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard experience possible.