SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The SP-Star Meteor Orange is a tactile switch, beloved for its gentle and soft tactility, creating a neutral sound profile that many users find pleasing. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Black is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned. While the Meteor Orange is praised for its smooth and refined typing experience, the Dustproof Black may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward and traditional linear switch. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a switch that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer nature, it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing will play a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The use of nylon in both housings provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of top housing material. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, while the Dustproof Black opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing in the Dustproof Black creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing in the Meteor Orange. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffer nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This distinction in top housing material gives each switch its unique sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The nylon top housing in the Meteor Orange creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Dustproof Black produces a sharper and crisper sound. The split between the qualities of each housing material impacts the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the Dustproof Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which is medium-light, whereas the Dustproof Black requires 80 grams, making it heavy. This means that the Meteor Orange will provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Dustproof Black, which offers a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is both 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same level of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent feedback and feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch. The identical travel distance also means that users can expect similar levels of comfort and performance when using either switch. Overall, both the Meteor Orange and Dustproof Black switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
The Outemu Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a specific sound description provided. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is appreciated for its mild and polished qualities, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch.
Considering the available information, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch seems to excel in both sound and feel qualities with its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished finish. While the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch may offer similar results in sound and feel due to the lack of specific descriptions, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch stands out for those looking for a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch is a great choice. It offers a mild feel with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics noted, the Dustproof Black switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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