SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky POM stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Ayara is a linear switch that is best known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM is also a linear switch, crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky POM both utilize nylon for their top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sky POM uses POM for its top housing, which creates a unique sound profile on the deeper side that is relatively more muted. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound, the Ayara's nylon top housing may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the Sky POM's POM top housing.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Ayara and the Sky POM utilize nylon. This further enhances the deep and full sound profile produced by these switches, as nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties contribute to a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the two switches may still differ in their overall typing experience due to the other components and design choices. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, affecting the overall typing sensation when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch, whether it be nylon or POM, can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. While both the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky POM offer deep and full sound profiles, their respective housing materials contribute to subtle differences in the typing experience. Understanding how top and bottom housings interact with each other can provide insight into why certain switches may sound or feel a certain way, helping enthusiasts make more informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards. Ultimately, whether using nylon or POM, each material brings its own unique qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the Ayara. This lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a smoother typing experience for extended periods of time. While the specific actuation force of the Ayara is unavailable, it is likely that users of both switches will achieve similar results in terms of typing feel due to the slight difference in force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing resistance and weight.
Travel distance
The Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sky POM's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 clacky sound when pressed, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Ayara having a sharper sound and the Sky POM offering a smoother, more mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ayara is described as providing a polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. These differences in feel highlight the unique qualities of each switch, with the Ayara focusing on a polished and refined typing experience, while the Sky POM prioritizes smoothness and uniformity.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a clacky sound and a polished typing experience, the Sky POM delivers a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a medium heftness with a clacky sound or a premium POM material with a smooth and buttery feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is a great choice for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch made from premium POM material that offers exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a polished and clacky typing experience with the Ayara switch or a buttery and creamy typing feel with the Sky POM switch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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