SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct characteristics to satisfy different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch that is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a solid typing experience with its medium heftiness and soft bottom-out feel, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that may be more suitable for those looking for a different typing sensation. 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
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both use nylon for their top housing, providing a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. However, the Ayara's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Ayara providing a more subdued sound compared to the lively sound of the Milk Tea.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings that also contribute to the deep and full sound profile experienced while typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both the Ayara and the Milk Tea switches. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience similar typing sounds and feel when using either switch, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Ayara and Milk Tea can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Ayara's nylon top housing creates a dull and round sound, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a more bright and resonant sound signature. Despite this difference, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar deep and full sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has no actuation force specified, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, whereas the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Ayara heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Milk Tea, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, if both switches had the same actuation force, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches preferred by those who desire a more robust keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of movement. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation depth. Both switches offer a consistent experience when it comes to travel distance, making them a popular choice for users who prefer a particular amount of key travel.
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 Tea 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 with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The sound is described as perfectly clacky, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Typists can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel when using these switches. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not available. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. However, since the Milk Tea's qualities are unknown, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches. It is recommended to test out both switches to determine which one fits your personal preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force with a soft feel and clacky sound profile, then the Ayara switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom-out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Milk Tea switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
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