SP-Star Ayara vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Ayara is a linear switch, known for its medium heftiness and providing a hearty typing experience. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, it ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. The WS Brown switch also offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both made of nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Ayara and the WS Brown feature nylon top housings, which means that the qualities of the nylon material will be similar for both switches. When typing on either switch, users can expect to experience the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon. Additionally, the relatively softer nature of nylon will result in a softer and more dampened sound compared to switches made of harder plastics.
Similarly, the Ayara and the WS Brown also have nylon bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The softer and more absorbent nature of nylon will contribute to a dampened and rounded bottom-out sound and a smoother keypress feel.
In summary, despite any potential differences between the top and bottom housings of the Ayara and the WS Brown, both switches will offer similar results when it comes to sound and feel. This is because the nylon material used in both switches' top and bottom housings shares common characteristics, such as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile and providing a dampened and softer keypress experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, their actuation forces and bottom out forces offer varying experiences. The actuation force of the Ayara is unavailable, while the WS Brown also has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Brown requires 55 grams, making it slightly lighter at a medium-light level.
Weight is a significant factor as it affects typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the WS Brown switch, allowing them to type for longer periods, which is advantageous for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ayara switch, as it provides a stronger push feel. By opting for the Ayara with its higher bottom out force, users can achieve a more robust and satisfying keystroke.
Ultimately, the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, making it difficult to compare them directly. However, considering the bottom out force, individuals should keep in mind their personal preferences and desired typing experience. Whether choosing the Ayara for a heavier press or the WS Brown for a lighter touch, both switches offer options that cater to different typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we see that the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of length, the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Brown. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboards. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown as it can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Ayara with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth of keystrokes.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 known for its hearty typing experience, offering a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfying clacky sound profile. It falls under the category of a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. The feel of the Ayara switch can be described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Brown tactile switch is praised for its elegant and innovative design. It features a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This makes it an ideal choice for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. While the specific sound profile of the WS Brown switch is not mentioned, it does offer a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate. This can be attributed to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination.
In summary, the Ayara linear switch and the WS Brown tactile switch offer different qualities. The Ayara provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. It is described as a neutral switch, suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers an elegant and innovative design with a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While specific information about its sound and feel is not provided, enthusiasts cherish its familiar auditory experience. If you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Ayara switch, the WS Brown can provide comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, enhancing your typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a polished finish and smooth key travel, the Ayara provides a sleek and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is a great option. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, these switches deliver an elegant typing experience. They also provide a delightful auditory experience, appealing to enthusiasts who cherish a familiar sound profile.
Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits. The Ayara provides a medium heft and a clacky sound profile, perfect for those seeking a hearty typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Brown strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. Consider your preferences in terms of bottom-out force, sound, and feel to make an informed decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
