SP-Star Ayara vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Seashell mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch is renowned for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue and light, clacky design, offering an enjoyable typing experience that remains comfortable and delightful over long sessions. While the Ayara switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Seashell switch boasts characteristics such as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, but diving deeper into their specific features and qualities will help you make the best choice for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Seashell offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that provides a more clear and resonant sound profile. This distinction in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience for users who have a preference for either a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound.
However, the similarities between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housings. Both the Ayara and the Seashell feature a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs sound effectively. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, as the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel remains the same for both switches. Thus, despite their differences in top housing materials, the switches can deliver similar results in terms of typing experience and sound profile due to their shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Ayara and the Seashell ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Ayara offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon top housing, the Seashell provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Users who prioritize a deeper and fuller sound may gravitate towards the Ayara, while those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Seashell. Additionally, the translucency of the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing makes it a practical choice for users interested in RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is clear that the Ayara has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Seashell has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Ayara better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Seashell is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches provide unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. For those seeking a similar experience in terms of force, they may find that the Ayara's heavier bottom out force and the Seashell's lighter actuation force could provide comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal typing preferences and needs for their keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. The Ayara's 4 mm distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Seashell's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.
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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most users and purposes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences, keycap choices, and the keyboard used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate keys. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for various activities such as gaming, school, or work. Both switches offer different tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can significantly impact the typing experience. The Ayara switch provides a medium heftiness and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, while the Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue, light actuation force, and clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable and comfortable typing experiences, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Ayara linear switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium heft and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, along with a neutral or high-pitched sound profile, then the Ayara switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel of the Seashell switch, with its feathery and easy-to-press nature, then it could be the perfect choice for you. Whichever switch you choose, both the Ayara and Seashell offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and experiences, ultimately enhancing your typing enjoyment.
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