SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Silent Brown 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 TTC Silent Brown. Both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Ayara switch is best known for its medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, it is a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. It is particularly loved for its muted sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their composition. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This distinction results in variations in sound profiles and aesthetic features between the two switches.
The Ayara's nylon top housing absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Brown, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer plastic composition creates a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferred by those seeking a more mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Brown's top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer plastic nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial when coupled with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. As a result, the qualities brought by nylon's sound absorption and softer plastic composition are consistent between the two switches. Typing on either the Ayara or the Silent Brown will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a dull and round tone produced by the nylon bottom housing. This similarity in materials ensures a uniform experience in terms of the sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Silent Brown switches have distinct effects on their sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon construction results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, the similarity in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches elicit a similar sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. Whether you prefer a softer and mellow typing experience or a clearer and more resonant sound, these housing material differences provide options for customization based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, one notable difference is in their actuation forces. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force of the Ayara switch is not provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Silent Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting it requires a relatively lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. This may be appealing to individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or engage in longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Ayara switch is 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, individuals who prefer a stronger push sensation may lean towards the heavier bottom out force offered by the Silent Brown switch. Overall, while the precise actuation force for the Ayara switch is unknown, the Silent Brown switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, allowing users to achieve similar results depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. This means that the Ayara offers a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Ayara is considered more traditional, while the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Silent Brown is slightly shallower. However, it should be noted that both options fall within the range of what is commonly preferred. With shorter travel distances being favored by gamers for faster response times, the Ayara's longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a more hearty depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 is known for its clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference, the Ayara switch will provide a more high-pitched and distinct sound, while the Silent Brown switch will offer a more subdued and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ayara switch provides a soft bottom-out feel, offering a hearty typing experience. It has a medium heftness that adds to the overall tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It has a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, providing a comfortable and effortless typing sensation. Both switches fall in the safe middle-ground zone and offer approachable qualities in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile with a hearty typing experience, while the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile with a comfortable and effortless typing sensation. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a distinct and high-pitched sound or a subdued and quieter experience. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing needs. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium heft and a soft bottom-out feel, then the Ayara switches are a great choice. Additionally, the Ayara switches provide a clacky sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, then the TTC Silent Brown switches are ideal. These switches also offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches have polished finishes, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel when making the decision between these two switches.
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