SP-Star Ayara vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4T are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Ayara is a linear switch, known for its medium heftiness and a soft bottom-out feel, providing a hearty typing experience. Its polished sound profile adds a satisfying clacky sound to each keystroke, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch, offering a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The U4T provides a bassy "thock" sound profile that, combined with its assertive tactile feedback, delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Whether you prioritize robust typing experience or a combination of thockiness and tactility, considering these general characteristics can help you determine the best switch for your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4T switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use a classic switch housing material, with the Ayara utilizing nylon and the U4T incorporating a proprietary Gazzew blend. Both materials are known for their softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of the top housing, the Ayara's nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of the Gazzew blend contributes to a similar effect as the nylon in the Ayara, creating a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ayara's nylon continues to showcase its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a distinct sound when bottoming out the keys. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend in the bottom housing also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This "boba plastic" infuses the switch with softness, enhancing the sound and feel when pressing the keys.
While both the Ayara and U4T switches share similar soft housing materials, they each offer unique characteristics. The Ayara's nylon provides a slightly duller and rounder sound, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound. Nevertheless, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience due to their soft housing materials, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the sound and feel when pressing the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific gram force for actuation is currently unavailable for both switches. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium.
In terms of weight, the Ayara and U4T switches offer different options for users. The lighter weight of a switch is often favored by individuals who value prolonged typing sessions, such as those working in an office or engaged in long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for a smoother typing experience without causing excessive fatigue.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. This provides them with a greater sense of feedback and push when typing, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience overall. These individuals would benefit from options with heavier forces.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation force remains unknown for both the Ayara and U4T switches, their bottom out forces are equal at 62 grams. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the desired weight for typing, be it lighter for prolonged periods of use or heavier for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key, as they both have the same distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will feel a consistent level of responsiveness and feedback when using either switch.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The sound is described as soft and clacky, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a bassy 'thock' sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound is also accompanied by an assertive tactile feedback, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the polished finish contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With a strong and crisp tactile bump, each keypress can be felt distinctly. This intense feedback adds a satisfying tactile element to the typing experience. While the specific feel may vary depending on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. The medium heftness of the Ayara switch contributes to the typing experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy a certain level of weight in their switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch combines a thocky sound profile with sharp tactility, providing a fusion of auditory and tactile satisfaction. With a bassy 'thock' sound and assertive tactile feedback, the U4T offers a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as some users may prioritize a softer sound and a polished feel, while others may prefer a deeper sound and a sharp tactile bump.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lively typing experience and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a hearty typing experience, and the soft bottom-out feel adds to the overall comfort. The Ayara switch is also described as having a polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, the Ayara switch would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you value thockiness and sharp tactile feedback in your typing experience, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With its bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile bump, every keystroke will provide both auditory and tactile satisfaction. The U4T switch has the same medium bottom out force of 62 grams as the Ayara, so if you enjoy a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement, the U4T will deliver. In the end, both switches have their unique strengths, so choose based on the specific typing experience and sound profile that aligns with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
