SP-Star Ayara vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Duck 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 SP-Star Duck. The Ayara switch is a linear switch, known for its medium heftiness and hearty typing experience. It provides a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Duck switch is a tactile switch, offering a more subtle tactile typing experience. It has a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. The Ayara switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', while the Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Ayara switch for a robust and satisfying typing experience, or the Duck switch for a more gentle and refined tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Duck employ different housing materials in both their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ayara utilizes nylon, known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This characteristic allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Duck incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound with higher pitches. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, enabling a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Duck switch is advantageous for those intending to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to individual preferences.
To further distinguish the two switches, let's explore their bottom housings. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing continues to contribute to a deeper and rounder sound profile, as well as absorbing more sound due to its softness. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck enhances the switch's sound with sharper and higher-pitched tones. It is worth noting that the bottom housing's characteristics have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. Therefore, users can expect the sound produced when pressing down on each switch to vary based on their respective bottom housing materials.
It is essential to highlight that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in determining the overall sound profile. While the Ayara and the Duck differ in their choice of housing materials, they both demonstrate how these qualities are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the user will experience the qualities of the bottom housing, while the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing. Despite this divergence, both switches offer unique auditory experiences driven by their individual housing materials, allowing users the opportunity to find the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. Unfortunately, specific information regarding the actuation forces of both switches is unavailable. However, it is known that the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Duck has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, also falling into the medium category.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lighter bottom out force of the Duck switch may be appealing. This lighter force allows for extended periods of typing without as much finger fatigue, making it suitable for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ayara switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its 62-gram bottom out force. This heavier push feel provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer.
Although the specific actuation forces remain unknown, it is safe to assume that the actuation forces of both switches are likely to be similar since they belong to the same product line, the SP-Star series. Therefore, for users seeking similar actuation forces, either the Ayara or the Duck switch would likely yield comparable results.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch will depend on personal preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the Duck switch, while individuals seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Ayara switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile experience for typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect the same level of responsiveness and feedback from either switch. Whether you choose the Ayara or the Duck, you can rely on the 4 mm travel distance to provide a comfortable and efficient 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
The Ayara linear switch is best known for its hearty typing experience, with a medium heftness that provides a satisfying feel. When typing on these switches, users can expect a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the Ayara is described as having a neutral and high-pitched sound profile. The neutral sound profile ensures a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a variety of uses. However, if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing, the higher-pitched sound of the Ayara switch would be a great choice.
On the other hand, the Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility when typing, users can enjoy a clean and crispy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Duck switch is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone that most users would find approachable. Furthermore, the Duck switch is also highlighted as having a buttery and polished feel, with smooth and refined finishes that result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Ayara linear switch excels in providing a hearty typing experience with its medium heftness, soft bottom-out feel, and perfectly clacky sound profile. If you prefer a switch with a neutral and high-pitched sound profile, the Ayara switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, the Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility, clean and crispy sound profile. It also provides a mild, buttery, and polished feel for a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities and would cater to different preferences. However, if you prefer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, both switches fall into the neutral category, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switches. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a medium heftiness that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switches are a perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and Duck switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound.
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