SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock White Lotus. The Ayara switch is a linear switch, known for its medium heftiness and hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switch features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's explore these switches in more detail to help you choose the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock White Lotus have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material is known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Therefore, both switches share the common characteristic of offering a pleasant sound profile for typists.
However, when it comes to bottom housing material, the Ayara uses nylon while the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend. Nylon is again utilized in the bottom housing of the White Lotus, highlighting the preference for this classic switch housing material. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel, so both switches should provide a similar typing experience in this aspect.
In terms of the overall feel of the switch, the Ayara's nylon top housing may offer a slightly softer and more premium feel compared to the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing. This difference in feel could be attributed to the unique blend utilized in the White Lotus switch, which aims to provide a distinct and upscale sensation. Thus, while both switches possess enjoyable sound profiles, the Ayara might have a slight edge in terms of tactile satisfaction due to its nylon top housing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock White Lotus share the common denominator of utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. However, the Ayara may offer a slightly softer and more premium feel with its nylon top housing, while the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend for a unique and upscale tactile experience. Overall, both switches are likely to provide satisfying results but with a slight variation in terms of feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, several differences can be observed in their actuation force and bottom out force. Starting with the Ayara, its actuation force remains unavailable in grams, while the Durock White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams. This suggests that the White Lotus requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams of force to fully press a key, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a lower bottom out force of 56 grams, indicating a slightly lighter and more gentle typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, lighter options like the Durock White Lotus may be preferred by individuals who are looking for a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. The lighter actuation force provides a swift and responsive keystroke with minimal effort. In contrast, some users may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For this group, options like the SP-Star Ayara with its higher bottom out force may be more suitable. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range in terms of heaviness, so even though they differ in force requirements, they will still provide similar results to users seeking a moderately weighted switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and the White Lotus will depend on personal preferences regarding the desired tactile feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both options offer a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users can expect to feel the same amount of distance traveled by both switches. Therefore, whether you opt for the Ayara or the White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced when typing.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, the Ayara linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a clean and crisp sound when pressed, without being too rich or bassy. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This provides a soothing and tranquil typing experience, especially when used in shared spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the Ayara being suitable for most intents and purposes, while the White Lotus provides a more calming and mellow auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus is considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most typists. Its characteristics all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Overall, both switches provide enjoyable and comfortable typing experiences, with the Ayara focusing on smoothness and refinement, while the White Lotus emphasizes ease of use and comfort.
Considering all the available information, the Ayara linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience, with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. It provides a neutral sound and a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness. It produces a low-pitched sound and has multiple descriptors for its feel, including easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. The White Lotus switch also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Overall, whether you prefer the Ayara's hearty and clacky experience or the White Lotus' delicate tactility and tranquil typing feel, both switches offer enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches with their medium-bottom out force of 62 grams are the ideal choice for you. They offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are a discerning typist who values delicate tactility and a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus switches with their medium-light bottom-out force of 56 grams are the perfect match. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and comfort, making them suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, their removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard setup.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switches have a neutral or high-pitched sound profile, depending on your preference. If you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing, the high-pitched option will suit you well. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches produce a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a refined and robust typing experience with medium-bottom out force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter and more delicate typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback, the Durock White Lotus tactile switches are the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetics.
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