SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch with the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, one can see clear distinctions in their characteristics. The Ayara switch is renowned for its medium heftiness, ideal for individuals who prefer a robust typing experience, offering a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed mechanism and translucent jade yellow housing. While the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Silent Yellow Jade switch lacks specific categorizations. Both switches have their own set of advantages, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components. This means that both switches will likely produce a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on either switch is expected to elicit a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastic housings.
While both switches share the same housing material, the specific design and construction of the top and bottom housings may vary between the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The qualities of the nylon material will be distributed differently between the top and bottom housings, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing is said to have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound produced when the key is released.
Overall, the use of nylon housing in both the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches highlights a preference for a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this material. Whether typing on the Ayara or the Silent Yellow Jade, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and overall feel, thanks to the shared use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the differences in design and construction between the two switches may result in subtle variations in sound and tactile feedback, but the underlying characteristics of the nylon material will likely shine through in both.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Ayara is the lighter option with an actuation force of None grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Ayara requiring 62 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade needing 65 grams. The Ayara provides a smoother typing experience due to its linear nature, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Overall, the Ayara is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch reveals that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switches, offering a deeper keypress feel, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower and more responsive, making it favorable for gaming and quicker typing speeds. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize depth and tactility or prefer a faster response time. Both switches offer unique benefits, and choosing one over the other will depend on individual typing preferences.
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 Jade 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 clacky and satisfying typing experience with a medium actuation force requirement, catering to those who appreciate a hearty typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound profile, thanks to its factory-lubed construction and translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, depending on your personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as offering a polished and refined typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction. This polished finish contributes to a sleek typing feel that can improve overall comfort and typing speed for users. The Silent Yellow Jade switch's feel is unknown, but as a tactile switch with a punchy tactile bump, it likely provides a satisfying typing experience with tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort for users who prefer tactile switches.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished typing feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump for enhanced feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can deliver a enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, based on the information provided, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you if you prefer a medium heftness and enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be a better option if you are looking for a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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