SP-Star Ayara vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches. The Ayara switches are known for their medium heftness, making them a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. They offer a soft bottom-out feel and a perfect clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. They have a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, providing an indulgent typing experience. The combination of a unique POM stem, proprietary factory lube method, and a very short travel with a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star Ayara Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their housing materials, with Ayara featuring nylon top and bottom housings while Sunset Yellow utilizes POM top and bottom housings. In terms of sound profile, the nylon housing of the Ayara offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, resulting in a relatively more muted sound.

While the two switches utilize different housing materials, they both exhibit characteristics that enhance the typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Ayara, being softer and more sound-absorbent, contributes to the overall deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow adds to its unique and muted sound, creating a distinct typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer a noticeable impact on the sound when you release a key, with the top housing playing a significant role in this aspect.

When analyzing the bottom housing of the switches, we find another point of divergence. The nylon bottom housing of the Ayara impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, adding depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow contributes to its deeper sound profile but may exhibit a slightly more muted bottom-out feel. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can affect not only the sound but also the tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys.

In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings, leading to variations in sound and feel. The Ayara's nylon housing creates a deeper and rounder sound, while the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a more muted and unique sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide enhanced sound profiles and demonstrate the influence of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, there are notable differences. The Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Sunset Yellow's force of 43 grams, which indicates a lighter touch requirement. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a higher force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Sunset Yellow has a lower force of 51 grams, offering a slightly lighter feel.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Sunset Yellow may be the better choice, as its actuation force is lower and closer to a feather-light touch. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons, as it reduces the strain on the fingers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and seek a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Ayara. Its higher bottom out force requires a bit more effort, providing a greater tactile sensation when pressing the keys.

Although the exact actuation force of the Ayara is unknown, it is important to consider the overall characteristics of both switches. Similar results can still be achieved by opting for the Sunset Yellow if a lighter touch is desired, as both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks to achieve.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Ayara's travel distance falls into the more traditional range of 4.0mm, while the Sunset Yellow's travel distance is on the shallower side at 3.2 mm. For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow may be preferable. However, those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced key press may lean towards the Ayara with its longer travel distance. Both options offer their own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate and clacky sound when pressed, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a captivating and indulgent sound experience. It has a rich, bassy sound similar to the collision of mahjong tiles, giving it a unique and satisfying character. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ayara may be a better choice, while the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and richer thocky sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This switch has reduced friction and offers a sleek key travel, allowing for a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy and frictionless. It offers a buttery and effortless typing experience, with a silky sensation as the fingers glide across the keys. The combination of the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contributes to the distinct gliding feel of the Sunset Yellow switch. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined feel, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for users.

Overall, the Ayara and Sunset Yellow linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara provides a neutral sound profile with a clacky sound, while the Sunset Yellow offers a rich, bassy sound with a thocky character. In terms of feel, the Ayara switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience, while the Sunset Yellow provides a creamy and frictionless sensation. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel experience. Although they have distinct characteristics, both switches prioritize a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, whether you go with the Ayara or the Sunset Yellow, you can expect similar results in terms of providing a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what experience you are seeking. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Sunset Yellow switch with its rich, bassy, and decadent sound would be a fitting option. Both switches offer unique features in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy sound profile with a deep, rich, and satisfying thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy and frictionless, providing a silky and effortless typing experience. Overall, consider your preferences for sound and feel, and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Ayara Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more