SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch is favored for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile - perfect for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is praised for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a noise-reducing soft, elastic feel for a silent typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it is evident that the Ayara utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Zero Degree 0° uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Ayara's nylon housing is praised for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness, contributing to a clear and resonant sound overall. However, both switches share the quality of utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of their differences in top housing material.
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switches. While the Ayara features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Zero Degree 0° combines polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, providing a consistent deep and full sound quality. The choice of housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, ultimately influences the tactile feedback and sound characteristics of each switch.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° showcase unique qualities based on their material composition. The choice to use nylon for both the top and bottom housings in the Ayara results in a consistent deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Zero Degree 0° allows for a mixture of sharpness and depth in the sound produced. While the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinctive typing experiences based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that they have different specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the actuation force is not provided. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Ayara heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Zero Degree 0°. The actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° is lighter than that of the Ayara, making it potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Zero Degree 0°. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.6mm distance is shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Zero Degree 0° a popular choice among them. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the SP-Star Ayara due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch does not have a specific sound description provided, so it is hard to directly compare in this aspect. However, both switches are likely to provide a quieter typing experience due to their linear design and lack of tactile feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is known for its polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch does not have a feel description provided, making it challenging to directly compare in this regard. Nevertheless, as both switches are linear, they are likely to offer a consistent keystroke feel without any tactile bumps.
Taking all available information into consideration, the SP-Star Ayara and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished feel, making it ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience with moderate sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on delivering a silent typing experience with its innovative design, promising smoothness and stability. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, both switches are likely to deliver similar results due to their linear design.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium heft and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value silent typing, smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel, the Zero Degree 0° may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so make sure to choose based on what works best for you.
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