SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Ayara switch is a linear switch that offers a medium heftness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that offers a medium-high level of tactility. It features a long, two-staged spring that enhances the tactile feedback. Typing on these Shadow switches results in deep, resonating thocks. While the Ayara switch is categorized as neutral, high-pitched, and polished, the Shadow switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Both switches have their distinct advantages, providing different typing experiences. However, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it's clear that they have distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material allows for a more clear and resonant sound when typing.
Another significant contrast between the two switches lies in their aesthetic features, particularly in relation to RGB lighting. The Ayara, with its nylon top housing, may not be as suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Nylon is not translucent like polycarbonate, so the lighting effects may not be as vibrant and eye-catching. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top housing is specifically advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. The translucency of polycarbonate allows the RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard.
However, if the top and bottom housings are the same material for both switches, they would potentially provide similar results. For example, if both switches had nylon top and bottom housing, the sound profile would be consistently deep and full throughout. Similarly, if both switches utilized polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, the sound profile would maintain its sharpness and clarity. In these scenarios, the choice between the two switches would likely come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and aesthetics, rather than solely focusing on the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara weighing in at 62 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams. However, while the actuation force of the Ayara is unavailable, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams.
In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and quicker keystroke, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or intense gaming sessions required for work or recreation. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing experience might opt for the Ayara switch. Although its actuation force is unavailable, the fact that its bottom out force is slightly heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring suggests a more pronounced push feel. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of increased control while typing.
Ultimately, the Ayara and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different experiences based on individual preferences. The Ayara provides a potentially heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter and smoother feel of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, if one is seeking a similar experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a medium weight that can cater to a wide range of typing needs.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a similar typing or gaming experience with both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Ayara or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of the travel distance.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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
The Ayara linear switch is highly regarded for its medium heftness, making it ideal for those who prefer a robust typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. The sound of the Ayara switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Ayara switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile switch with enhanced feedback. The Shadow switch variant features a long, two-staged spring that delivers a strong and crisp tactile bump, providing a distinct feeling with every keypress. Typing on these switches produces deep and resonating thocks, creating a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, which is also described as high-pitched. The sound profile of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is similar to the Ayara in terms of being high-pitched and producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Considering all the available information, both the Ayara and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Ayara switch excels in providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers enhanced tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by deep and resonating thocks. While the Ayara switch has a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a clacky sound profile and various descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, depending on the specific variant. Therefore, if you prefer the subjective qualities provided by the Ayara switch, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and sound profile with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is a great choice. It has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium heftness that many users find satisfying. The Ayara also offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, with a choice between a high-pitched or neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Ayara provides a polished and smooth typing experience, thanks to its refined finish and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep thock sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect option. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams, this switch offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch also provides a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds. In terms of feel, it offers a variety of descriptors such as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, giving you a lively and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider whether you prioritize a hearty and clacky typing experience with soft bottom-out and a neutral or high-pitched sound (Ayara), or if you prefer a tactile switch with a strong and crisp tactile bump, deep thock sound, and a variety of feel options (Shadow). Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences. In the end, it all comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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