SP-Star Ayara vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the V3 Piano Pro is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see that they both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound when typing, creating a unique typing experience that is favored by many enthusiasts.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the differences may lie in the design and construction of the housing itself. The Ayara and the V3 Piano Pro may have variations in the thickness or shape of the housings, which could impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. Additionally, the manufacturing process and quality control measures taken by each company could result in subtle differences in the way the housing materials are implemented, leading to slight variations in typing experience between the two switches.
Ultimately, the similarities in using nylon housing for both the Ayara and the V3 Piano Pro suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference based on other factors such as switch type, keycap compatibility, or overall aesthetics. However, users can rest assured that both switches offer a quality typing experience with the use of nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Ayara is the lighter of the two. The Ayara has no specified actuation force, making it unknown, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter, and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Ayara may feel slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Ayara offering a more substantial typing experience and the V3 Piano Pro allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm while the V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ayara with a 4 mm travel distance falls on the more traditional end of the spectrum, offering a slightly deeper press compared to the V3 Piano Pro's shallower 3.5 mm travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the V3 Piano Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the level of tactile feedback desired.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch presents a clacky and resonant sound signature, producing sharp and crisp noises that add a lively and immersive quality to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the Ayara provides a softer bottom-out feel with a clacky sound, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a smoother actuation with a more resonant and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving keys a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery smoothness when pressed. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering different tactile feedback options, with the Ayara focusing on a polished finish for sleek typing and the V3 Piano Pro focusing on a bouncy and creamy sensation for a lively and smooth keystroke.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara provides a clacky sound with a polished feel, catering to those who prefer a hearty and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro presents a resonant and bouncy sound with a creamy and silky feel, appealing to individuals seeking a more lively and smooth typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a robust and clacky typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature and a smoother actuation with a lighter bottom-out force, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preferences to ensure the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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