SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options worth considering are the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Ayara is renowned for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a robust typing experience. Typing on these switches produces a soft bottom-out feel accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound. In contrast, the Silent Frozen stands out for its exceptionally quiet sound profile. These switches provide a remarkably smooth typing experience with a pillowy sensation. While the Ayara falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Silent Frozen is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision regarding the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Silent Frozen greatly differ, as the Ayara features a nylon top and bottom housing while the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon lacks this feature. Therefore, the materials used in the top and bottom housings of these switches lead to distinct sound and visual experiences.
The differences in sound profiles between the Ayara and the Silent Frozen are primarily attributed to their housing materials. The nylon top housing of the Ayara absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing experience when combined with RGB lighting, making it a desirable choice for those who prioritize aesthetics. While both materials are used for switch housing, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the desired sound and visual effects.
When it comes to the impact on the feel and sound of pressing down and releasing a key, the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly affects the impact when a key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the housing materials used in the Ayara and the Silent Frozen will affect the overall typing experience in different ways, with the bottom housing influencing the press and the top housing influencing the release of each key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches promise a unique and enhanced typing experience due to the specific traits of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ayara has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which can be considered medium. In contrast, the Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams, providing a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is 43 grams, making it lighter compared to the Ayara.
Considering weight as a factor, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Silent Frozen due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for longer durations, whether it be for professional work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Ayara, despite the unavailability of its specific actuation force. The Ayara's higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, contributing to a more robust typing experience.
While the specific actuation force of the Ayara is unknown, it is evident that the Silent Frozen offers a lighter touch with its confirmed actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have their advantages and appeal to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired keyboard usage and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more traditional travel distance, the Ayara would be the better choice, as it offers a slightly longer key press experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower travel distance, the Silent Frozen would be the better option. It is important to note that both switches fall within the range of what is considered acceptable and functional for a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 switch offers a clacky sound profile, which means it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is especially suitable for those who prefer a more lively and clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It falls into the category of muted switches, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. If you are looking for a more discreet typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a soft bottom-out feel when typing. This indicates a cushioned sensation when pressing the keys, resulting in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. The Silent Frozen switch, on the other hand, offers a pillowy type feel. Though the exact sensation is not specified, it suggests a plush and comfortable typing experience similar to resting on a soft pillow. Both switches emphasize smoothness, with the Ayara switch described as polished and the Silent Frozen switch characterized as creamy and buttery. This indicates reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch offers a feathery option, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara switch emphasizes a clacky sound profile and a soft bottom-out feel for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch offers an extremely quiet sound profile, along with a smooth and pillowy type feel. If you prefer a more lively and clicky typing experience, the Ayara switch is a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize quietness and a plush typing sensation, the Silent Frozen switch would be more appropriate. Both switches provide options for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although they have different subjective qualities, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on your preferences and the specific factors of your keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile with super smooth and pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. With its light bottom-out force of 43 grams, this switch offers a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switch also produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound, while minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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