SP-Star Ayara vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices are the SP-Star Ayara, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, also a linear switch. The Ayara switch is best known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. Typing on the Ayara switches provides a soft bottom-out feel, accompanied by a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Red switch stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. Despite its unique design, the WS Red switch retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. It also provides a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Red are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon. 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. Therefore, users can expect similar sound experiences when typing on both the Ayara and the WS Red, as their nylon top and bottom housings provide similar sound-dampening characteristics.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a given switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials can result in slight variations in sound and tactile feedback between the Ayara and the WS Red switches, especially if their top and bottom housings are not made of the same materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Red share many characteristics as they both utilize nylon. Users can expect comparable sound profiles, with a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. However, any variations in top and bottom housing materials may lead to subtle differences in the sound and feel experienced while using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, suggesting that the force required to trigger a keystroke is relatively similar.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. The WS Red, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. This means that when pressing down fully on a key, the WS Red switch will require a slightly higher force compared to the Ayara switch.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Others may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, and for them, heavier switches are preferable.
In summary, while the exact actuation force is unknown, it can be assumed that both the Ayara and WS Red switches have similar actuation forces. However, the WS Red does have a heavier bottom out force compared to the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Red slightly shallower in terms of key press depth. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Red may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In this case, the Ayara with its 4 mm travel distance would be the recommended choice. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch with a suitable travel distance. Both options offer their own advantages, and ultimately, it comes down to individual preference.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Ayara switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Red switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Now, let's talk about feel. The Ayara switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the WS Red switch.
Based on the available information, the Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness, clacky sound profile, and a polished feel. It provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While the sound profile and feel of the WS Red switch are not mentioned, it retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend and provides a heavier actuation force, adding weight to each keystroke.
In conclusion, while there is limited information available on the sound and feel of the WS Red switch, the Ayara switch offers a distinct sound and polished feel. If you are looking for a switch with similar results to the Ayara, the WS Red switch may provide a bouncy and satisfying typing experience with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preferences and how these qualities align with your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying weight to each keystroke without being too heavy. Additionally, if you value a neutral sound profile or prefer a higher-pitched switch, the Ayara meets both criteria. With its polished finish, the Ayara offers a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch would be a suitable option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While there is no specific description of the WS Red's sound profile, its classic material blend suggests a familiar and pleasing sound.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Red depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Assessing your needs and preferences in these areas will help guide your decision. Happy typing!
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