SP-Star Ayara vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Ayara is a linear switch with a medium weight and offers a hearty typing experience. Typing on these switches provides a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx is a tactile switch that combines the best of both worlds. It boasts a cleaner and refined sound profile, with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. The U4Tx switch also provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch offers, let's take a deeper dive to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew U4Tx both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, while the U4Tx incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." Both materials aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. However, the Ayara's nylon top housing, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing offers a similar softness, contributing to a similarly deep and rich sound output.
Moving on to their bottom housings, the Ayara utilizes a nylon bottom housing, whereas the U4Tx implements its own proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. Again, the aim of both materials is to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Likewise, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing is designed with softness in mind, contributing to a rich and deep sound experience.
Considering the aforementioned information, it is evident that both the Ayara and the U4Tx prioritize delivering a sophisticated sound profile through their housing materials. While the Ayara relies on nylon for both top and bottom housings, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top and bottom housings. Although there may be slight differences in the exact sound produced due to the unique properties of each material, they both aim to create a deeper and fuller sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you go for the Ayara's nylon housing or the U4Tx's Gazzew blend, you can expect similar results in terms of achieving a rich and immersive sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we find both similarities and differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, so we cannot directly compare them. However, it can be assumed that since they are both linear switches, the actuation force would be similar, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of the initial push required.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the U4Tx requires a slightly stronger push to fully engage the keystroke compared to the Ayara.
Considering the weight, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Ayara, as its bottom out force is lighter. This lighter force allows for longer typing periods without causing excessive fatigue. On the contrary, those who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing experience with a stronger push may opt for the Gazzew U4Tx. The heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Ayara and U4Tx switches remains unknown, their bottom out forces differ, with the Ayara being lighter and the U4Tx being heavier. This contrast allows individuals to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see that there is a difference in their distances. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Ayara provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a shallower key press feel with its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. However, both switches provide a tactile feedback and can offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit with slight variations in 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 Gazzew U4Tx 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
The Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience. When typing on these switches, users will experience a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. This switch offers a neutral sound profile, producing a moderate and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch marries the best of both worlds, offering a cleaner, refined sound profile. When typing on these switches, users will enjoy a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet stealth sound when topping out. The U4Tx switch provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump with each press, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. It offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The U4Tx switch is also described as muted, delivering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.
Overall, while the Ayara linear switch provides a medium heftness and a clacky sound profile with a neutral switch sound, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a refined sound profile with a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth sound. The U4Tx switch also provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. Both switches have unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile and feel, they can choose between the clacky and neutral sound of the Ayara switch or the refined and bassy sound of the U4Tx switch. Additionally, both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience, ensuring enjoyable and luxurious typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a softer bottom-out feel, the Ayara linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a perfectly clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral or high-pitched depending on your preference. Additionally, the Ayara switches have a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a cleaner, refined sound profile with a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be a fantastic option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches produce a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches also feature a sharp tactile bump, giving you a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keystroke.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch will depend on your preference for typing experience - whether you prioritize a softer bottom-out feel or a refined sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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