SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Rose. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but they have their own distinct features. The Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, as it has a medium heftiness and provides a soft bottom-out feel. Additionally, the Ayara switch produces a perfectly clacky sound profile, adding to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose switch not only boasts a beautiful appearance, but also offers a unique typing experience with the use of progressive springs. These springs provide a substantial, yet not heavy, typing experience and users often mention the pleasant sound of bassy raindrops when typing on the Rose switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Rose differ when it comes to the top housing. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Rose's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. While both materials have their unique qualities, they produce distinct sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Ayara and the Rose rely on nylon. This nylon bottom housing brings forth a similar outcome in terms of sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you are primarily focused on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both the Ayara and the Rose will offer similar results.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be distributed accordingly. When you press down on a switch, you will experience the qualities of the bottom housing during the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Thus, while the Ayara and the Rose share similar nylon bottom housings, their different top housings will play a significant role in the overall sound characteristics of each switch during key release.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to compare them in this aspect. However, the bottom out force provides some insight. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls under the category of medium. On the other hand, the Rose has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Ayara may be more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. This lighter actuation can be beneficial for individuals bringing their keyboards to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Rose may be the better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In summary, while the actuation force is unavailable for both switches, the Ayara has a medium bottom out force, and the Rose has a medium-heavy bottom out force. Although the precise actuation force is unknown, it can be inferred that the Ayara is likely lighter overall, while the Rose delivers a slightly heavier typing experience. Consequently, individuals seeking specific force requirements can make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Rose linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either of these switches.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara switch is best described as having a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. This indicates that the sound produced when typing on these switches is neutral in pitch, producing a moderate and crisp sound. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used effectively at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch offers a unique sound experience with its bassy raindrop-like sound. This makes it a low-pitched switch, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer different sound profiles, allowing users to choose the one that suits their preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This indicates that the switch has smooth and refined materials, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. The Ayara switch offers a hearty typing experience, providing a medium heftiness that is preferred by those who enjoy a more robust typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Similar to the Ayara switch, the Rose switch also features a polished finish, contributing to its smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Rose switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a neutral sound with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. It offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Rose switch produces a low-pitched sound with a bassy raindrop-like effect. It offers a mild typing experience and also features a polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a more robust typing experience with the Ayara switch or a more gentle typing experience with the Rose switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a robust typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a hearty typing experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with progressive springs that provide a substantial but not heavy feel, along with a bassy raindrop-like sound, the KTT Rose linear switch would be an excellent option. With its slightly higher bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that still maintains a pleasant balance. When it comes to sound, the Ayara switch is more neutral and high-pitched, while the Rose switch is low-pitched and also neutral. Finally, both switches provide a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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