SP-Star Ayara vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch that is best known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Jade, also a linear switch, stands out for its bright metallic and resonant sound profile created by a metallic insert in the stem base, as well as a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. The WS Jade offers a uniquely creamy and smooth typing experience with a rock-solid bottom-out. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer a unique experience for users. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes a POM top housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer a deeper sound profile, the Ayara's nylon top housing may provide a slightly rounder sound compared to the WS Jade's POM top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ayara and WS Jade switches also showcase differences in material and sound profile. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, similar to its top housing characteristics. Conversely, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. Both materials offer a sound profile that is pleasing to the user, but the specific qualities of the nylon and POM materials impact the overall typing experience differently for each switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches create distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches offer a deeper sound profile, the use of nylon in the Ayara and POM in the WS Jade results in slightly different sound characteristics. However, users can expect similar results in terms of a pleasing typing experience with unique sound profiles when using either switch. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that they have differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, while the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the WS Jade requires a slight initial force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the WS Jade has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ayara provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the WS Jade is slightly lighter in comparison. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ayara being the heavier option and the WS Jade being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara. The 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a significant difference in how the keys feel when typing or gaming. The Ayara with its longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch produces a more distinct and vibrant sound, described as clacky and resonant. The Ayara provides a soft, clacky sound, while the WS Jade offers a bright metallic and resonant sound with a creamy bottom-out feel. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound or a unique, resonant sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the WS Jade switch offers a silky and creamy typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of key travel and minimizing resistance. Both switches offer a satisfying typing feel, but the Ayara may appeal more to those looking for a polished typing experience, while the WS Jade is ideal for those seeking a silky and creamy feel.
Overall, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a medium heftness with a clacky sound and polished feel, the WS Jade stands out with its bright metallic sound profile and silky, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Ayara and the WS Jade linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty and clacky typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a neutral sound profile, then the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and smooth typing experience with a rock-solid bottom-out and a marbly sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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