SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, making it a standout option in the market. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in housing materials contributes to the unique typing experience provided by each switch.
While both switches use nylon for their top housing, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differentiates itself with a POK bottom housing. This polyketone material provides exceptional durability and smoothness, with wear resistance that surpasses that of other common plastics used in switch housings. In comparison, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in these switches divides the qualities of each material between the keystroke and key release, affecting the overall typing feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The use of nylon for the Ayara's housing materials results in a deeper and softer sound profile, while the proprietary KTT blend and POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch create a high-pitched and clacky typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. If a user seeks a rounder sound with more sound absorption, the Ayara may be the preferred choice, while those looking for a clacky and durable option may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is apparent that they offer different typing experiences. The Ayara has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Ayara switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Ayara switch with its heavier bottom out force would be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Ayara's 4 mm distance falls within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it potentially more suitable for those who prioritize quicker response times and a lighter touch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to varied preferences among users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for keypress depth 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound that is clean and sharp, offering a unique auditory experience. Both switches deliver a clacky sound when pressed, but the Ayara switch leans towards a more moderate sound profile while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Ayara providing a versatile option and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a more distinct and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The materials and factory lubing of these switches contribute to their respective tactile sensations, with the Ayara providing a sleek typing experience and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a silky sensation akin to gliding fingers across keys with ease. The choice between these switches will come down to whether a user prefers a polished and refined feel or a buttery and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a moderate and clacky sound profile along with a polished and refined typing experience, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant sound, as well as a buttery and creamy feel that offers a smooth and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara with its medium bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a remarkably smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the lighter Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its innovative use of POK in the stem and bottom housing may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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