SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky V3 stands out for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance between comfort and precision that appeals to enthusiasts and professionals. While the Ayara is categorized as neutral, high-pitched, and polished, the Sky V3 falls into the neutral, subdued, and mild category. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages, but ultimately, the best choice depends on individual typing preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper into the specifics so you can make the best decision for your ideal switch.
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
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky V3, one key difference lies in their top housing. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Sky V3 features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While the Ayara's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clearer and more resonant sound experience. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound signature of a keyboard switch.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the Ayara and the Sky V3 share a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar sound experience when it comes to typing. The nylon bottom housing of these switches enhances the tactile feedback and sound quality, creating a satisfying typing experience for users. While the top housing material may vary between the Ayara and the Sky V3, the consistency of the nylon bottom housing ensures a comparable sound profile for both switches.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch performance, it is important to understand how each material influences the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can greatly influence the overall typing experience. Whether it's the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara or the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V3, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and sound profile thanks to their shared use of nylon in this component.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Sky V3 linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. This means that the Ayara switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Sky V3 is lighter in terms of actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 may appeal to those who prefer a softer keystroke, ideal for long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Ayara may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. The equal travel distance of both switches highlights their balanced design and performance, offering a reliable typing experience for users looking for consistency in their keyboard switches.
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 V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, the Ayara switch is noted for its high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, whereas the Sky V3 switch offers a subdued sound, providing a more dampened and subtle sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound intensity.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches fall within the comfortable range of typing experiences, but the Ayara switch may appeal more to those who prefer a sleek and polished feel, while the Sky V3 switch offers a more middle-ground typing sensation.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Ayara switch excels in offering a clacky sound profile and a polished typing feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch is praised for its neutral sound signature and mild typing feel, catering to a wider audience of enthusiasts and professionals. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound intensity and typing experience, but users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound, the Ayara switch with its medium heftness and polished feel may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Sky V3 switch with its medium-light weight and mild characteristics might be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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