SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is known 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 V4 distinguishes itself through the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, offering a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Sky V4 falls under 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Depending on whether you prioritize a clacky sound profile and a hearty typing experience or a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature, you may lean towards one switch over the other. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 V4, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the Dareu Sky V4 sets itself apart by using POK material for its top housing. The POK material boasts a higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon, making it one of the smoothest materials available. This results in a smoother, clacky sound profile for the Sky V4 compared to the Ayara.
While both the Ayara and the Sky V4 utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Ayara stands out with its nylon top housing, while the Sky V4 utilizes POK material for its top housing. The nylon top housing of the Ayara contributes to creating a duller and rounder sound profile, which differs from the smoother and clacky sound produced by the POK material in the Sky V4. Additionally, the POK material in the Sky V4 offers exceptional durability and shock resistance, surpassing the nylon top housing of the Ayara in these aspects.
In terms of performance, the choice of housing materials greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the Dareu Sky V4 excels with its POK top housing, offering a smoother and clackier sound compared to the Ayara's nylon top housing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and durability, with the Sky V4 presenting a more premium and high-performing option with its POK top housing.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, whereas the Sky V4 is lighter with a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. While the Ayara does not specify an actuation force, the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively light touch needed to register a keystroke. When it comes to weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Sky V4, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Ayara. Both switches offer different experiences based on actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Ayara offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing users with a more traditional key press feel, which some may find more comfortable. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times, which is favored by gamers looking for increased speed during gameplay. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances but cater to different preferences in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 V4 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 V4 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a clacky tone that suits a variety of typing preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and rich tone that complements its smooth linear action. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preferences, with the Ayara catering to those who prefer a moderate sound and the Sky V4 appealing to users looking for a deeper and more satisfying sound.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, giving keys a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to typing sessions. Depending on whether you prefer a polished and refined feel or a more elastic and responsive typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch each bring unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara excels in providing a moderate and clacky sound profile along with a polished and refined typing feel, while the Sky V4 stands out with its deep thocky sound and bouncy key feedback. Both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users with different preferences, ensuring that regardless of choice, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom-out force and a hearty typing experience, the SP-Star Ayara switch is the way to go. The soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear action with a deeper sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is the better choice for you. The innovative use of POK material in its housing provides a rich and satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a solid typing experience with the Ayara or a smoother one with the Sky V4.
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