SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Peach. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are unique in that they are very lightweight and also silenced. These switches are perfect for linear switch enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience. While both switches share a neutral and polished feel, the Ayara is high-pitched while the Peach is more mild and muted. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches share the same qualities as they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you were to use either the Ayara or the Outemu Peach, you can expect to experience similar auditory effects when typing.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When you press down on the switch, you will primarily feel the impact and influence of the bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, although the Ayara and the Outemu Peach share the same nylon housing material, the composition and construction of their top and bottom housings may result in slight variations in sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the use of nylon as a housing material for the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches provides a consistent deep and full sound profile while typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the nylon material will contribute to the overall auditory experience of these switches. However, differences in the construction of the top and bottom housings may result in subtle variations in sound and tactile feedback when using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara's actuation force is currently unavailable in grams, while the Peach requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams, which falls in the medium range. On the other hand, the Peach has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light.
Considering weight is an important factor for keyboard enthusiasts, as it can greatly affect typing and gaming experiences. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Outemu Peach, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation force is also suitable for those who prioritize fast and responsive key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel might find the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ayara more satisfying.
It is worth mentioning that if the actuation forces were equal or unavailable for both switches, users can still expect to achieve somewhat similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force should be considered as it represents the force required to fully press the keys down. Overall, the Ayara can be seen as the heavier option, while the Peach offers a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions or rapid key presses depending on the user's preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Peach's 3.3 mm. The Ayara's 4.0mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Peach's 3.3mm is shallower, offering a quicker and more responsive keystroke, which is often favored by gamers. While both switches have their advantages, the preference for travel distance ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Peach with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial and deeper key press, the Ayara with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable option.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. It produces a perfectly clacky sound when pressed, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch also has a neutral sound profile but is described as muted. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Peach switch would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Overall, both switches provide different sound characteristics, but they are both suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, like the Ayara switch, the Outemu Peach switch is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Ayara switch offering a more polished feel and the Outemu Peach switch offering a mild and subtle feel.
Considering all the available information, the Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience with a moderate actuation force and a clacky sound profile. It provides a polished and refined feel, ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is perfect for linear lovers who want a feathery light typing experience. It offers a muted sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces, and provides a mild and subtle feel that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. If the desired outcome is a similar result with a different switch, one can select the Ayara switch for a medium heftiness and a clacky sound profile, or the Outemu Peach switch for a lightweight and silenced experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the one for you. These switches offer a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a linear lover who wants a feathery light typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the ideal choice. These switches are not only lightweight but also silenced, providing a quieter typing experience. Additionally, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced keyboard user. As for the feel, the Ayara switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle feel, making it approachable and suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing experience, whether you prioritize a heartier feel or a lighter and quieter one.
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