SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Ayara and Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct qualities to consider. The Ayara, a linear switch, is praised for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, boasts a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a balanced weight of 63.5g for a comfortable typing experience. Its neutral sound signature complements its overall harmony, earning it the categories of 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, one can see that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbent nature of nylon. Conversely, the top housing material differs between the two keyboards, with the Ayara featuring nylon and the Thunder Shadow featuring polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Ayara.
The choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the keyboard. While both the Ayara and the Thunder Shadow utilize nylon for the bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the contrasting use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Thunder Shadow results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the Ayara. This difference in top housing material can also impact the aesthetics of the keyboard, with polycarbonate being more commonly used for clear housings to showcase RGB lighting.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Thunder Shadow work together to create distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both keyboards use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound, the use of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow's top housing sets it apart, providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Ayara's nylon top housing. The choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience and sound output of a keyboard.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. The actuation force for both switches is not specified. It is worth noting that the Ayara is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Thunder Shadow. Some users may prefer the lighter force of the Ayara for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Thunder Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Additionally, the Thunder Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Ayara's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with each offering a different feel and response. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences in terms of travel distance, but the Thunder Shadow may feel slightly more responsive compared to the Ayara due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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
In terms of sound, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Ayara additionally has a high-pitched sound, giving it a sharper and crisper tone compared to the Thunder Shadow's more neutral sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a snappy feel for an immersive typing sensation. These differences in feel cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a medium heftiness and a hearty typing experience, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, along with polished smoothness for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a balanced medium weight feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be a great option. Its neutral sound complements its tactile feedback, providing a harmonious typing experience. And remember, choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who appreciates a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch with its 62g bottom-out force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance, a medium weight feel, and a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force is the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound profile, so choose wisely based on what suits your needs best.
Mentioned in this article
