SP-Star Ayara vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovation. While it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, it offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, ensuring a more muted typing experience. Its type feel is silky smooth without being over-polished. Both switches have their unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of their composition. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This results in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The Ayara's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is often described as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is especially advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Semi-Silent Linear use nylon as the material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sounding typing experience. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, rather than the overall sound profile when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches share the same housing material for the bottom, their overall sound profiles may differ due to the influence of the top housing material.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the SP-Star Ayara and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar characteristics with regards to the bottom-out sound. However, the materials used in the top housing play a crucial role in the overall sound profile, especially when releasing a key, and the Ayara and the Semi-Silent Linear differ in this aspect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that both switches have an actuation force of unavailable grams, making them similar in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect similar results when typing on either switch. However, when considering the bottom out force, both switches have a force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In terms of weight, it is worth mentioning that the Ayara switch is lighter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter weight may make the Ayara switch a preferred option for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a heavier push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This may be appealing to users who prefer a stronger and more tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and the Jwick will depend on personal preferences regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Ayara and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches differ slightly. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Ayara falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm travel distance, offering a familiar keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both options offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the most traditional 4.0mm, the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly shorter. This shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. However, it's important to note that for some individuals, the abruptness of a shorter travel distance may not be preferable. In this case, the Ayara with its slightly longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying keystroke experience with a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch provides a clacky sound profile with a soft bottom-out feel. It is considered to have a neutral sound, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. This switch is a good choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience and enjoy a more crisp and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a semi-silent topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It is described as having a subdued sound, which means it produces a dampened and more subtle sound compared to most switches. While not completely silent, it provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. Overall, both switches offer different sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. The switch has reduced friction and offers a refined feel with smooth key travel. This polished feel enhances the typing sensation and provides a more polished typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users in terms of feel. It is also snappy, meaning it has high responsiveness, which can make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches provide a different feel, with the Ayara offering a more polished and refined experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a gentle and responsive feel.
Considering the available information, it is clear that both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara provides a clacky sound profile with a soft bottom-out feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. It has a neutral sound and a polished feel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It has a more subdued sound that is dampened and subtle compared to most switches, making it suitable for those who prefer a more quiet typing experience. Its feel is described as mild, snappy, and buttery, offering a gentle and responsive typing experience. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and provide unique qualities, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force and polished feel, this switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you want a semi-silent switch with a silky smooth type feel and a clacky bottom out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the perfect choice. It has a medium bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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