SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Silent Ink Black 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black. Both switches belong to the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile bump.
The Ayara switch stands out for its medium heftiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a satisfying typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, these switches provide a hearty and engaging typing sensation. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Ayara switch offers a balanced and crisp feel.
In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed for environments that require quieter typing. Ideal for shared spaces or late-night sessions, these switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black switch ensures a more subdued and subtle typing experience.
However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Ayara's nylon top housing absorbs sound with its relatively softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a softer, more rounded sound, the Ayara with its nylon top housing would be a better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper, more pronounced sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black with its INK blend top housing is more suitable.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black contributes to its relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. While both switches provide different sound characteristics, they both offer a satisfying typing experience. If you prioritize a switch with a more dull and round sound upon bottoming out, the Ayara with its nylon bottom housing is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Silent Ink Black with its INK blend bottom housing is a better fit.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on each switch, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a softer and less abrupt bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing offers a relatively higher-pitched and more pointed bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The Ayara's nylon top housing enhances the depth and fullness of the sound upon key release, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing delivers a clacky and higher-pitched sound as the key is let go. Therefore, both switches provide different experiences based on the characteristics 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ayara switch has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare with the Silent Ink Black's 60 gram actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara at 62 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams, making them fairly similar in that aspect.
Considering weight, some prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. This could make the Ayara a potentially appealing option for those who prefer lighter switches, as its actuation force is likely to be lighter as well. On the other hand, some users prefer a firmer and more substantial typing experience, favoring switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Silent Ink Black may be the better choice, as it has a slightly higher actuation force and a heavier bottom out force compared to the Ayara. Overall, individuals with a preference for lighter switches may find the Ayara more suitable, while those who enjoy more resistance may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. However, since both switches have medium bottom out forces, users can expect similar results when it comes to the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that your keystrokes are accurate and responsive.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. It provides a clacky sound when pressed, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It produces a muted sound that reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you're looking for a sharper and more crisp sound, the Ayara may be the better choice. However, if a softer and quieter typing experience is your priority, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch offers a polished and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either high-quality materials or factory lubrication, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also features a polished finish for that sleek feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the Ayara focuses on a polished finish while the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a silky typing experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience and a clacky sound profile. It offers a medium heftiness and a soft bottom-out feel. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, is ideal for environments that require quieter typing. It provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Ayara offers a polished finish while the Silent Ink Black provides a silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. This switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a cushion-like feel and minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, further enhancing the smoothness of your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
