SP-Star Ayara vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, the SP-Star Ayara and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Ayara is a linear switch 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is also a linear switch but stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, as well as an impeccable factory lube job that creates a silky smooth typing experience. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts categorizations of 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, so choosing between them can depend on your preference for typing feel and sound. 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
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a switch that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing contributes to a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Ayara and the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer a similar result in terms of creating a deep and full sound profile. The Ayara's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience throughout typing. On the other hand, the split housing design of the Strawberry Wine (V2) allows for a unique combination of POM and nylon properties, resulting in a sound profile that is both deep and muted.
The impact of housing materials can be felt differently depending on whether they are used for the top or bottom housing of a switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The Ayara's use of nylon for both top and bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience with depth and fullness throughout typing. In comparison, the split housing design of the Strawberry Wine (V2) allows for a more nuanced sound profile with a mixture of the unique properties of both POM and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it light to the touch, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a bit more resistance. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams to fully press down, providing a medium-weight typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ayara, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2). Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In comparison, the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance than the Strawberry Wine. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which may appeal to those seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing preferences. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant notes, providing a crisp and immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is noted for its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, with the Ayara focusing on a sleek finish while the Strawberry Wine (V2) prioritizes smoothness.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Ayara and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by resonant and clacky notes. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a neutral sound with polished feel or a clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience. However, both switches are designed to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium heft and a hearty typing feel with a soft bottom-out and clacky sound, the Ayara may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, along with resonant and clacky sound, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you value a medium or light bottom-out force, along with the specific sound and feel characteristics each switch offers.
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