SP-Star Meteor White vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some notable differences to consider. The Meteor White is renowned for its subdued and gentle linear feel, offering a soft and quiet typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Meteor White being categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', and the MX Silent Red as 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', they cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Silent Red use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
One key difference between the two switches is the color of their housing materials. The SP-Star Meteor White features a white nylon housing, giving it a clean and sleek look that may appeal to users looking for a minimalist design. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon housing is likely dark in color, providing a more traditional appearance that may cater to those who prefer a classic aesthetic. While the color of the housing material does not impact the typing experience, it can influence the overall look and feel of the keyboard.
In terms of functionality, both the Meteor White and the MX Silent Red showcase the benefits of nylon housing in providing a softer sound profile and absorbing more sound for a quieter typing experience. Whether it's the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel or the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, users can expect a reliable and consistent typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of appearance, as both offer quality nylon housing that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch in terms of pressure required to fully press a key. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to register a keystroke. While the exact actuation force for the Meteor White is unknown, it is clear that it requires more pressure to bottom out compared to the MX Silent Red. This means that the Meteor White may be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the MX Silent Red could be preferred by users who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. 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 White linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.7 mm of the MX Silent Red. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor White at the higher end and the MX Silent Red slightly below, the slight difference in distance may impact the typing experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the MX Silent Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may favor the Meteor White. Ultimately, the decision 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 Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Meteor White offers a more neutral and thocky sound, while the MX Silent Red provides a more muted, thocky, and low-pitched tone. The Meteor White's sound is gentle and pitter-patter, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, while the MX Silent Red operates silently, minimizing noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, implying noticeable friction when pressed. This difference in feel highlights the Meteor White's smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, while the MX Silent Red may suit users who prefer a subtle texture or friction during typing.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Meteor White excels in providing a softer and more approachable sound profile with a polished typing experience, making it a versatile choice for various settings. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red stands out for its silent operation and textured feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment with noticeable friction. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide satisfying linear key presses, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users seeking either a gentle, pitter-patter sound or a quiet, low-pitched tone.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a softer typing experience with a gentle sound profile, the Meteor White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound. Consider whether you prioritize a subdued and thocky experience with the Meteor White, or a muted, thocky, and low-pitched experience with the MX Silent Red. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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