SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. The Ayara switch is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a satisfying typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Ayara switch leans towards a more robust typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a gentle tactility for those who prefer a lighter touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both have their own unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Ayara's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The difference in material results in contrasting sound profiles, with the nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate's clear and resonant profile. However, both materials are known for their classic switch housing qualities, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboards.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Ayara and the Violet Gold Pro feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is praised for its softness and sound-absorbing properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This shared characteristic between the two keyboards ensures a consistent typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite potential differences in other housing components, the nylon bottom housing maintains a similar sound profile across both the Ayara and the Violet Gold Pro switches.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the Ayara and Violet Gold Pro differ in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in sound profile when pressing down on the switches. The top housing material plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, offering a variety in sound profiles between the two keyboards. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose between a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Ayara or a sharper, more resonant sound with the Violet Gold Pro.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ayara is heavier when it comes to bottoming out, whereas the Violet Gold Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, allowing them to type for longer periods of time comfortably. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ayara switch to provide a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference of users when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Ayara's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ayara being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Violet Gold Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may opt for the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and speed.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is suitable for most typing intents and purposes. However, the Ayara switch is noted for its high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch is known for its more balanced and neutral sound signature. This means that while the Ayara switch may provide a more distinct clicky sound, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a smoother and more consistent typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This indicates that the materials used or factory lubing of the switch contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped feel, which means that it offers a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages. This leads to a typing experience where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more structured tactile sensation compared to the polished feel of the Ayara switch.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a polished typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a distinctive sound, the Ayara switch may be the better option. However, if you seek a balanced and tactile typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switches might be the ideal "Goldilocks" option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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