KTT Ash Gray vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but far from unnoticed. On the other hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch that can be described as subdued. It is easy to push and offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Both its type feel and sound profile are very soft. The Ash Gray switch falls into the categories of being easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, while the Meteor White is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer the light touch and tactile feedback of the Ash Gray or the easy push and gentle sound profile of the Meteor White. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Meteor White have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Meteor White's nylon emphasizes depth and fullness.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the Meteor White employ a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience with both the Ash Gray and the Meteor White in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a strong impact on the overall typing experience, offering a satisfyingly deep and full sound profile.

While the top and bottom housings of the Ash Gray and the Meteor White differ, they each provide unique sound qualities to the switches. The bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing, users will experience a sharper, higher-pitched sound when they let go of a key. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. Therefore, depending on the switch and the desired sound profile, users can choose between the Ash Gray's crisper sound or the Meteor White's fuller sound when it comes to key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the KTT Ash Gray requires 38 grams, while the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White is unknown. However, both switches fall under the category of medium-light actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the KTT Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the SP-Star Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams. Both can be considered medium-light in this aspect as well.

Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. The KTT Ash Gray's actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter compared to the SP-Star Meteor White, making it a potentially favorable choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience. However, for individuals who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, the SP-Star Meteor White's slightly heavier bottom out force may better suit their preferences. Overall, while the actuation force is unknown for the SP-Star Meteor White, the comparison suggests that the KTT Ash Gray is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a similar experience in terms of keypress feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Meteor White has a slightly longer distance compared to the Ash Gray. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who seek faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm offered by the Ash Gray switch may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial press, the 4 mm travel distance of the Meteor White switch might be more suitable. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in the office. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose. Therefore, while both switches have a neutral sound profile, the final sound result may vary based on your specific setup.

In terms of feel, both the Ash Gray and Meteor White switches offer a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches have qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. The Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press feel, while the Meteor White switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While they both have a neutral sound profile, the final sound result may vary depending on your specific setup. In terms of feel, both switches offer a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and a comfortable actuation force. The Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press feel, while the Meteor White switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific qualities that are most important to you. However, it's worth noting that if you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound and feel, both switches fall within the mild and neutral range, making them suitable options for various typing preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light touch and crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be an excellent choice. It delivers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, making it a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. The Ash Gray is also known for its easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle linear switch with a soft type feel and sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great option. This switch is designed to be easy to push and offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound, providing a subdued typing experience. It is described as having a mild feel, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Meteor White switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch depends on your preferences. If you value a tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation, along with an easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch would be ideal. However, if you prefer a gentle linear switch with a soft type feel and sound profile, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Meteor White switch would be a better fit for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more