SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switches are known for their medium heftness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons showcase the beauty of a linear switch. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience. They are characterized by a low-pitched sound and a mild touch. While these general descriptions give you a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's explore them in more detail to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in terms of the top housing material. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon is more ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic aspect to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Ayara and the Sea Salt Lemon share the same nylon bottom housing. This common material contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the top housing materials may differ between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing ensures that they both deliver a comparable sound experience.
As the top and bottom housings have distinct effects on the sound and feel of a switch, it is important to consider the impact of these materials. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound due to the shared nylon bottom housing. However, when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound. The Ayara's nylon top housing will contribute to a deeper and duller sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing will result in a sharper and crisper sound. The choice of top housing material can therefore influence the overall sound profile and user experience of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation forces. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force of the Ayara switch is currently unknown. However, we can determine that the Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This suggests that the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara switch, assuming the actuation force of the Ayara is not lighter or equal.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires less force to fully press down and reach the bottom compared to the Ayara switch.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch, as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter touch could allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is advantageous for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push experience may find the Ayara switch more suitable. The heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Ayara switch could provide a more satisfying and substantial keystroke sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays an important role in determining the typing experience. When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, it is evident that both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Hence, using either of these switches will result in a similar tactile sensation when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their matching travel distances. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no notable difference in the travel distance between the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is best described as neutral. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and provides a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound. It has a mellow tone that offers a more relaxed typing experience. If you prefer a richer and deeper sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch is known for its polished and sleek finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make it a pleasure to type on. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe and middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The sound and feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are balanced and provide a comfortable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Ayara switch is best suited for those who prefer a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound profile. Its medium heftness and polished finish contribute to a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is suitable for users who want a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow sound. It offers a gentle feel that is approachable to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choosing between them depends on personal preference.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, we would recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium heftness that ensures a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a polished feel, the Ayara's smooth and refined finish will provide reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a great choice. With its bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light heftness that provides a gentle typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon's progressive spring and dry-lube design contribute to its buttery smooth feel.
In terms of sound, the Ayara offers a neutral or high-pitched option. If you prefer a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, the neutral sound of the Ayara would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the high-pitched option would be the way to go. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched sound, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a hearty typing experience and a polished feel, the Ayara is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a lower bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon is the switch for you. Choose whichever switch aligns with your desired typing experience and sound profile, and enjoy the satisfying feeling of a mechanical keyboard tailored to your preferences.
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