KTT Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider, such as sound profile, typing feel, and tactile feedback. Two switches that stand out in this regard are the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctive clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. It offers a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle and soft tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. With a range of categories like mild, thocky, and polished, these switches offer a versatile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in terms of their composition. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. So, while the Cream Yellow emphasizes sharpness and clarity, the Meteor Orange prioritizes depth and fullness in its sound production.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Meteor Orange employ nylon as the material of choice. This commonality ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness makes it an effective material for absorbing and dampening sound, resulting in a more rounded and less pronounced tone. Therefore, whether it is the Cream Yellow or the Meteor Orange, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a consistent experience in terms of sound, with a focus on depth and fullness.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is distributed differently for the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to the distinctive sharper and crisper sound when lifting off a key, while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing will create a deeper and fuller tone in the same situation. However, the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches will ensure a similar deep and full sound upon pressing down. Thus, while the top and bottom housing materials may differ, the overall experience of using the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange will still provide similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of force required. On the other hand, information about the exact actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing periods, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, others enjoy a heavier actuation force as it provides a more substantial typing experience.
Although the actuation force for the Meteor Orange is unknown, we can assume that it may require a lighter force than the Cream Yellow due to its lower bottom out force. However, without specific information, it is difficult to accurately compare the actuation forces of the two switches. Nevertheless, both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, making their results similar in that aspect.
In summary, the Cream Yellow is known to have a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, while the Meteor Orange has an unknown actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference, with the Cream Yellow providing a more substantial typing experience and the Meteor Orange potentially offering a lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm. Meanwhile, the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you are a gaming enthusiast looking for a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial keypress with a deeper feel, opting for the Meteor Orange with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific use cases.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground between being too loud or too quiet. It doesn't have any specific characteristics that stand out, but it provides a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. When pressed, the keys have a lively feel and offer rebound, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing feel that most people would find approachable. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is described as polished, which means it offers a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel. It delivers a distinct and resonant audio feedback, making it a popular choice for those seeking a responsive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Its soft and seductive tactility, combined with its polished finish, provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a distinct clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, you can expect resonant audio feedback and a uniquely lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more gentle tactile switch with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be the better option. These switches offer a mild typing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and they have a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and the Meteor Orange will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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