SP-Star Ayara vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 SP-Star Yanyu. The Ayara is best known for its medium heftiness, offering a hearty typing experience that some users may prefer. As you type on the Ayara switches, you'll notice a soft bottom-out feel combined with a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend long periods typing. The Yanyu's material blend provides a crisp sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. While these general pointers provide some insight into which switch may suit your preferences, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for yourself.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which is known for elicitng a deeper and fuller sound. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. This blend offers a pleasant sound without being particularly sharp.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ayara also utilizes nylon as its material. Similar to the nylon top housing, this contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend adds its own characteristics to the switch, contributing to the overall sound profile. While specifics aren't provided, it can be inferred that the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a different sound experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in both the Ayara and Yanyu has an impact on the overall typing experience, with differences in sound and feel depending on which housing material is used for the top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The actuation force of both switches is unknown, but they differ in their bottom out force. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, classifying it as light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. These lighter switches are ideal for keyboards used during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, it is safe to say that the difference in their bottom out forces suggests the Ayara to be the heavier option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Yanyu's 43 grams, users can expect a slightly more forceful keystroke experience with the Ayara switch. However, it is important to note that without the information on actuation forces, we cannot make a definitive comparison regarding the ease of triggering a keystroke for these switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, affecting how keys feel when pressed. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, users can expect similar tactile sensations when typing with either the Ayara or the Yanyu switch, making them equally suitable choices for those seeking a consistent and comfortable 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness, making it optimal for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. When typing on the Ayara switches, users will experience a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the Ayara switch can be characterized as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you plan to use them at home or in a professional setting. Additionally, the Ayara switch has a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be preferred by individuals who do not prefer rich and bassy sound profiles. The Ayara switch also features a polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or individuals who need to type for long periods of time. The Yanyu switch is known for its material blend, which gives it a crisp sound profile. In terms of sound, the Yanyu switch shares similarities with the Ayara switch, having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It can be compared to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released.
Considering the available information, it can be concluded that both the SP-Star Ayara and Yanyu linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara switch provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. It has a high-pitched sound and a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. It has a thocky sound and falls within the neutral category in terms of its sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. If you are unsure which switch to choose, the Ayara and Yanyu switches will provide similar results, as they both have a neutral sound profile and a polished feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium heft, we recommend choosing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying typing feel and a clacky sound profile. The Ayara switches are best suited for those who enjoy a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile. They offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is a great choice. With a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches reduce finger fatigue and provide a gentle typing feel. The Yanyu switches are known for their crisp sound profile, which can be described as thocky. They are also suitable for most intents and purposes due to their neutral actuation force requirement.
Overall, the choice between the Ayara and Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a heavier and clackier typing experience, go for the Ayara. If you prefer a lighter and more delicate feel, choose the Yanyu. Both switches offer a polished finish for a smooth typing experience.
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