SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, there are some key differences to consider. The Ayara switch is renowned for its medium heftiness, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and produces a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any standout features or characteristics listed. While the Ayara switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific categorization. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
2.20 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
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 Silent Yellow, the differences are evident. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound produced by a mechanical switch.
While the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, the differences in their top housings set them apart. The Ayara's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing results in a uniform sound profile, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound. In comparison, the Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique sound profile that balances the sharpness of polycarbonate with the softer sound absorption of nylon. This difference showcases how the choice of housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and Outemu Silent Yellow housing materials comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a duller and rounder sound profile, the Ayara's nylon housing may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate housing could be more to your liking. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer high-quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow switch which has an actuation force of 65 grams, making the Ayara the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams while the Silent Yellow requires 80 grams, making the Silent Yellow the heavier switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Ayara for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with neither being shorter or longer than the other. This similarity in travel distance will result in similar tactile feedback and overall typing feel for users of either switch.
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 Silent Yellow 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 environments. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has no specific sound descriptors provided, which indicates that it may have a more muted sound profile compared to the Ayara switch. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This indicates that users can expect a sleek feel when typing on these switches. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch. However, considering that both switches are linear switches, users can expect a similar linear typing experience in terms of feel.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch seems to offer a moderate and versatile sound profile with a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may provide a quieter sound experience, although specific details about its sound profile and feel are not available. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your desired typing experience, sound profile preference, and tactile feel when choosing between these two switches to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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