SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to various typing preferences. Two popular choices are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Quinn. The Ayara, a linear switch, is best suited for those who desire a robust typing experience. With its medium heftiness, users can expect a soft bottom-out feel and a delightfully clacky sound. On the other hand, the Quinn, a tactile switch, offers a unique fusion of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound. Designed with nylon housings, each keystroke on the Quinn switch provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, coupled with a rich and immersive sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. Both switches bring their unique qualities to the table; however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best choice for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Quinn have similar nylon top housings, which both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can expect a comparable sound experience when using either switch. Whether it's the Ayara or the Quinn, the nylon top housing will play a significant role in the sound produced upon releasing a key.
Moreover, both switches also share nylon bottom housings. Again, the nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be evident regardless of whether it is an Ayara or a Quinn switch. Both switches harness the benefits of nylon in this aspect, creating a consistent tactile experience for users.
Considering the overall construction of the switches, the Ayara and the Quinn offer similar characteristics due to the shared nylon material in their top and bottom housings. While slight variations may exist in the specific design and manufacturing, both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of sound. The nylon material used in the housing of these switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a sense of satisfaction to the typing process. Whether opting for the Ayara or the Quinn, users can expect a similar auditory experience due to the common use of nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. In terms of weight, the Ayara's actuation force remains unknown, while the Quinn requires 59 grams of force for actuation. Additionally, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Quinn has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ayara may be the preferred choice as it guarantees a relatively lighter actuation force. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push may lean towards the Gateron Quinn. Its heavier actuation force provides a tactile response during keystrokes, offering a satisfying typing experience.
While the exact actuation forces of the Ayara switch are unknown, given that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range for bottom out force, one can expect similar results in terms of typing experience when comparing the two. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference, with individuals needing to determine whether a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force suits their typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the Quinn's 3.4 mm is on the shallower side. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance would be the recommended choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feel, the Ayara's longer travel distance would be ideal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 linear switch has a neutral sound profile that is neither too rich nor too bassy. It produces a moderate and clacky sound when pressed, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a touch of character. Its sound is described as clean, sharp, and immersively auditory. The Quinn switch provides a bassy and resonant sound that adds depth and richness to the typing experience. Overall, while the Ayara switch has a moderate and clacky sound, the Quinn switch offers a deeper and more immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, both the Ayara and Quinn switches are described as polished. This means that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished switches reduce friction and provide smooth key travel. Additionally, the Quinn switch is also characterized as snappy, implying that it is super responsive and makes the typing experience feel more alive. The Ayara switch, on the other hand, does not have any additional descriptors for its feel. Therefore, both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, but the Quinn switch stands out with its snappy and responsive feel.
Considering the available information, the Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness and hearty typing experience. It has a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile that is not too rich or bassy. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. It provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump and a rich and immersive sound. Both switches have a polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Ayara switch is recommended for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, while the Quinn switch adds character to the typing experience with its unique combination of tactile feedback and sound. Whether you prefer a medium heftness and clacky sound or a light and crisp tactile feel with a deep sound, these switches will deliver similar results with their polished and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balanced actuation force suitable for most users. The Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile, which is neither high-pitched nor bassy, making them versatile for various environments and user preferences.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a precise and clean tactile bump with each keystroke. The specially designed nylon housings of the Quinn switches contribute to their distinct sound profile, characterized by its bassy, clacky, and resonant qualities.
In terms of feel, both the Ayara and Quinn switches offer a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you prefer a snappy and bouncy feedback sensation, the Quinn switches are known for their super responsiveness and lively feel. On the other hand, the Ayara switches provide a polished and refined typing experience without the extra bounce.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences. Consider whether you value a hearty typing experience with clacky sound and a neutral profile, or if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that suits your individual typing style and preferences.
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