SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Ayara is renowned for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those seeking a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, it provides a delightful sensation while gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano excels in creating a pleasurable linear typing experience through its unique proprietary material blend. Users will enjoy a smooth gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Ayara offers a distinct typing experience compared to the 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky' characteristics of the Piano. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Piano differ in their choice of housing materials, with the former utilizing nylon and the latter incorporating a proprietary POM blend. The Ayara's nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which some individuals may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of this blend are undisclosed, it is evident that the Piano aims to provide a distinct auditory experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Ayara and the Piano differ in materials. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing nature. The softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing, like its top housing, aims to deliver a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the specific composition of this blend remains undisclosed, it is clear that the Piano intends to offer a distinctive auditory experience for typists.
When examining the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall performance and sound of the switches, it is vital to consider their individual characteristics. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, depending on the user's preference and typing style, the Ayara and the Piano will provide distinct experiences during both the actuation and the release of a key, as their chosen housing materials contribute differently to the resulting sound profiles. However, it is worth noting that if the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Piano share the same housing material (either nylon or POM blend) for both the top and bottom, users can expect similar results in terms of sound characteristics and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara and Durock Piano linear switches, we find some similarities and differences. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is not available. However, it can be inferred that they are likely to have similar actuation forces since they both fall under the category of linear switches.
In terms of bottom out force, the SP-Star Ayara has a force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the Durock Piano has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Weight becomes an important factor when considering the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This lighter option is ideal for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience that provides a stronger push feel. These individuals may opt for switches with heavier forces.
Although the exact actuation force of these switches is unknown, it can be assumed that both the Ayara and Piano switches, being linear switches, would provide a similar actuation experience. As both switches fall within a similar force range for bottoming out, individuals seeking a medium or medium-heavy typing experience can choose either switch depending on their personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out with its proprietary material blend, offering one of the most pleasant linear typing experiences. Users will feel a gliding push when using these switches, accompanied by a deep and creamy sound signature.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Ayara switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate and well-balanced sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized by a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
When it comes to 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. On the other hand, the Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara and Durock Piano switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished, refined feel, while the Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature, along with a frictionless and silky typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results. If you prefer a clacky sound and a polished feel, the Ayara switch would be a great choice. If you enjoy a deep and creamy sound with a frictionless and silky feel, the Piano switch would be an excellent option.
It is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, to achieve similar results, it is recommended to pair these switches with suitable boards and keycaps that complement their qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switches. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. Additionally, Ayara switches have a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. In terms of sound, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switches are an excellent choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. These switches have a frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Piano switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a clacky sound, a polished feel, and a balanced typing experience, the Ayara switches will suit you well. However, if you prefer a deep and creamy sound, a frictionless and silky feel, and a slightly heavier typing experience, the Piano switches will be a better fit. Consider your typing style and desired typing experience to make the right choice for you.
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