SP-Star Ayara vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct typing experiences. The Ayara is a linear switch that is best known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch that maintains smoothness with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press', the WS Light Tactile switch provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback. Each switch offers its own unique benefits, but to truly determine the best switch for your typing preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile lies in their top housings. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is also aesthetically advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. These differences in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Ayara and the WS Light Tactile make use of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. While the top housing materials may vary between the two switches, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a familiar sound profile for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Ayara with its nylon top housing provides a warmer and more rounded sound experience, ideal for those seeking a deeper typing sound. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and sharper sound profile, along with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting. Both switches maintain a consistent feel and sound due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, which is medium in terms of resistance. In comparison, the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Ayara, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also on the lighter side. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Light Tactile due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Ayara provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired amount of resistance.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a similar amount of travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both switches offer a moderate amount of key travel, allowing for a comfortable typing experience while still maintaining a relatively short distance for efficient typing speed. Overall, the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch make them both suitable options for those seeking a balanced typing experience.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both offer a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments and preferences. The Ayara, however, has a high-pitched option available for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Light Tactile sticks to a more standard sound profile. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel, giving a mild two-stage bump sensation during key presses. Additionally, it is noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force and providing a low-impact typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during long periods of use.
Considering all the available information, if you are looking for a linear switch with a hearty typing experience and a perfectly clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch that maintains smoothness with a snappy tactile bump and neutral sound, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force and clacky sound profile, then the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and snappy tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature, then the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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