SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch are two popular options to consider. The Meteor Orange is beloved for its gentle and seductive tactility, providing a soft typing experience with a neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Silver switch offers a linear feel without any specific standout features. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silver, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, both the Meteor Orange and the Silver should offer a similar experience to users.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Meteor Orange features nylon while the Silver incorporates polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is often used for clear housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. This key difference in top housing material between the Meteor Orange and the Silver will likely impact the sound and feel of typing on these switches, with the Silver offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the duller sound of the Meteor Orange.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silver will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in top housing material sets them apart. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing offers a rounder and duller sound, while the Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Users looking for a switch with clear housing for RGB lighting may prefer the Silver, while those seeking a softer sound profile may lean towards the Meteor Orange.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams to fully press down, which is considered medium-light, while the Silver requires 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silver switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be consistent. Users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both switches. Therefore, the travel distance of both the Meteor Orange and Silver switches is equal, providing a consistent typing experience for those who prefer either tactile or linear switches.
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 Silver 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 Meteor Orange tactile switch is praised for its gentle and seductive tactility, making it a popular choice for those looking for a softer typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, this switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific information about its sound qualities, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable qualities. Additionally, being categorized as a polished switch, users can expect a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is unavailable, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches.
Overall, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, mild feel, and polished finish, the information available for the Outemu Silver linear switch is limited. Without specific details about the sound and feel of the Silver switch, it is hard to draw a comprehensive comparison. However, based on the qualities of the Meteor Orange switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound and feel with the Silver switch. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following: if you prioritize a gentle typing experience with a soft tactility and neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any tactile bump, the Silver may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preferences, as well as the level of force you are comfortable with when typing. Happy typing!
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