SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Sea Glass. The Ayara switches are preferred by those who enjoy a robust typing experience, thanks to their medium heftness. Typing on these switches offers a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock catch the eye with their captivating selection of pastel colors. These switches provide a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness during typing, while maintaining a smoothness that won't disappoint. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a seemingly weightless quality that defies expectations. Additionally, their uniquely hollow sound signature adds an element of uniqueness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Sea Glass both exhibit different housing materials in their switch design. Starting with the top housing, the Ayara utilizes a nylon material, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is softer and has a higher sound-absorption capability, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, creating a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. Both materials aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, with the Ayara emphasizing a deeper sound and the Sea Glass focusing on a brighter tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ayara's nylon material maintains consistency with its top housing. Just like the top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a cohesive typing experience. Similarly, the Sea Glass incorporates its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing. This blend ensures consistency in sound and feel throughout the switch, providing a pleasant typing experience. While both the Ayara and the Sea Glass differ in their specific housing materials, they both aim to achieve a similar outcome of delivering a satisfying sound profile when the keys are pressed down.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, the Ayara and the Sea Glass exhibit differences in the areas they influence. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Whether it is the Ayara's nylon bottom housing or the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, the material choice affects the tactile feedback and the sound produced when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Regardless of their material differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience through careful consideration of the specific qualities each housing material brings to the overall switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Ayara's actuation force is listed as unavailable, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share a medium bottom out force of 62 grams.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Ayara switch, as its actuation force is not specified but likely lighter than the Sea Glass's 45 grams. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the contrary, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Sea Glass switch, with its heavier actuation force. This force provides a stronger push feel, leading to a more pronounced typing experience.
Although the actuation forces differ between the two switches, the bottom out forces are the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of how far they need to press the keys before they bottom out on both the Ayara and Sea Glass switches. Overall, the Ayara switch tends to be lighter, while the Sea Glass switch offers a more forceful keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it can still have an impact on the overall typing experience.
4.0 mm is considered to be the more traditional travel distance, providing a familiar feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass with its 3.8 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers who require faster response times, as the reduced distance allows for quicker keystrokes.
Those who prioritize responsiveness may find the Sea Glass to be the better option in terms of travel distance. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Ayara with its longer travel distance may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. The Ayara offers a more traditional and deeper travel distance, while the Sea Glass provides a slightly shallower and potentially more responsive experience. Regardless of the choice made, both switches can provide satisfactory results for different typing needs.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 makes it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It has a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound profile of the Sea Glass switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. It offers reduced friction, smooth key travel, and an overall sleek feel. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, has a proprietary material blend that gives it a distinct feel. It is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It also offers a mild typing feel, meaning it falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Ayara and Sea Glass switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch has a clacky sound profile with a soft bottom-out feel and a polished, smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a dry, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, accompanied by a uniquely hollow sound signature. Despite these differences, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences in their own ways. With the Ayara, you can expect a moderate sound profile and a polished, sleek feel, while the Sea Glass offers a distinct and frictionless typing experience with a lightweight and effortless feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we would recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. These switches have a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, if you're drawn to pastel colors and value a distinct typing experience characterized by dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is an excellent choice. Despite also having a bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a unique feel and a hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and Sea Glass switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whichever option you choose, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
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