SP-Star Ayara vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Ayara is favored for its medium weight and provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a hearty feel while typing. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara is categorized as ['Neutral', 'High-pitched', 'Polished']. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch does not have any specific characteristics listed, but is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Ayara may appeal to those seeking a polished typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable for users who prefer audible feedback while typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Outemu Blue switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic makeup. While both materials are classic switch housing choices, their differences in sound characteristics can significantly affect the typing experience for users.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housing materials of the Ayara and the Blue switches, both use nylon material. This similarity results in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel for both the Ayara and the Blue switches. This consistency in bottom housing material highlights the importance of overall switch construction and how it contributes to the typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the Ayara and the Blue switches differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate respectively, they share a common nylon bottom housing to maintain a consistent sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate material in the Blue switch offers a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how these housing materials influence the typing experience can help users select switches that best suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we see a difference in their characteristics. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Ayara switch offers a firmer typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Blue switch provides a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical for both switches. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar feeling in terms of travel distance. Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer an equal travel distance experience for users.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch is praised for its moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Its soft bottom-out feel complements the clacky sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch lacks specific information about its sound qualities, but based on the information available, it is likely to produce a crisp and sharp clicking sound. Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Blue switch. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a moderate sound profile and a polished feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch would be a solid choice. If you are considering the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you can expect a crisp clicking sound, but it may be wise to gather more information on its feel before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium heftness and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, then the Ayara linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what best fits your individual preferences.
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