SP-Star Ayara vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Ayara is a linear switch that offers a medium heftiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. The soft bottom-out feel and perfectly clacky sound profile of the Ayara switches further enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch known for its big tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating typing experience. The snappy sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction while typing. Both switches fall under the 'Neutral' and 'Polished' categories, but the Ayara is high-pitched while the Polaris Purple is mild. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's soft and sound-absorbing properties. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Ayara. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making the Polaris Purple switches ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience.
Furthermore, the top and bottom housings of the switches play different roles in sound production. When a key is pressed down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound, the softer nylon material in the Ayara contributes to a deeper and rounder sound during key press. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple creates a sharper and more pronounced sound upon bottoming out.
When it comes to releasing a key, the top housing of the switches takes precedence in determining the sound profile. Here, the nylon top housing in the Ayara contributes to a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing. As polycarbonate is known for its translucency, it is especially useful if users plan to incorporate RGB lighting effects into their keyboard setup.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Polaris Purple significantly impacts the resulting sound profiles during both key presses and releases. While the Ayara's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the different characteristics of these materials affect the typing experience based on whether the user is bottoming out or releasing a key. However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are the same, the sound profile and typing experience are likely to be similar.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, whereas the Polaris Purple also has an actuation force of unavailable grams. This means that their actuation forces are unknown and potentially similar. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ayara has a lighter force of 62 grams, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly heavier force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches is significant for individuals with different typing preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel might opt for the Ayara switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter weight makes it well-suited for keyboards used during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Polaris Purple switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force might be a more suitable choice. This heavier force gives a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Although the specific actuation forces remain unknown, both the Ayara and Polaris Purple switches can provide similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the bottom out forces differ, with the Ayara being lighter and the Polaris Purple being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience one seeks to achieve.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience in terms of the travel distance.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it will produce a satisfying and clacky sound when pressed, but not overly loud or sharp. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch also has a neutral sound profile, providing a snappy sound when typing. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various uses and preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, you can expect a similar sound experience from both switches, with a medium to high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle tactile feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild feel makes it approachable for most users, with qualities that fall in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize delivering a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, albeit with slightly different tactile sensations.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer distinct qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the Polaris Purple switch is ideal for users seeking an exhilarating tactile typing experience, with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound. However, it is important to consider the other components of the keyboard setup, such as the keycaps and board, as they can also influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. Additionally, the Ayara switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Furthermore, it is polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the one for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The big tactile bump of the Polaris Purple switch provides a satisfying feedback while typing. Similar to the Ayara switch, the Polaris Purple switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most users.
In closing, if you prioritize a hearty and clacky typing experience, along with a slightly softer feel and neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
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