SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch at an affordable price point. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', the Smoothie switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Ayara. 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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles but with different characteristics. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing also produces a deep sound profile but is relatively more muted, providing a different auditory experience. Despite these differences, both materials offer a pleasant and distinct sound that enhances the typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ayara's nylon material once again provides a deep and full sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience throughout the switch. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound, albeit with a slightly more muted tone. While the bottom housing of a switch may not be as noticeable as the top housing during typing, it still plays a role in the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Both materials excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound output.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Smoothie housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Ayara's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone, while the Smoothie's POM housing provides a unique and muted sound experience. Whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a subtle tone, both materials excel in enhancing the typing experience. In the end, regardless of which housing material you choose, you can expect a high-quality switch that offers a satisfying sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see some significant differences. The SP-Star Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium feel when typing, but the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has a lower actuation force of 40 grams, which may result in a lighter touch when typing, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the SP-Star Ayara with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the SP-Star Ayara. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ayara may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a unique experience based on their travel distance, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 profile that is suitable for most users, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound output. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky sound signature with a low-pitched and subdued tone, creating a deep and satisfying sound experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Ayara having a clacky sound and the Smoothie having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation while typing. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Ayara focusing on polish and refinement, and the Smoothie offering a range of smooth and buttery sensations.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a clacky sound and a polished typing experience, the Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. If you prefer a more neutral sound and a polished feel, the Ayara would be a suitable option, while the Smoothie would be perfect for those looking for a thocky sound and a buttery typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight touch, remarkable smoothness, and a thocky sound signature without compromising on quality, the Smoothie switch would be your best bet. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a medium actuation force and moderate sound profile or a lightweight touch and thocky sound with remarkable smoothness. Both switches have their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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