Outemu Crystal vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out from the crowd are the Outemu Crystal and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Crystal is renowned for its unique typing experience, offering a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight. This combination results in a linear typing experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Furthermore, the Crystal boasts a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is characterized by its subdued nature. Easy to push and producing a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, this switch offers a soft and smooth typing experience. Classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Meteor White switch is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$3.40 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Crystal's translucency makes it especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Meteor White 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 sound. While the Crystal provides a clearer sound, the Meteor White offers a richer and more muffled tone.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Crystal and the Meteor White showcase different properties. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is consistent with the characteristics of polycarbonate as a relatively stiffer plastic. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. The bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the distinct sound qualities of their respective housing materials.

While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal and the SP-Star Meteor White differ, they both play crucial roles in the overall sound profile of the switches. The top housing, made of polycarbonate in the Crystal and nylon in the Meteor White, has more influence on the sound when a key is released. In contrast, the bottom housing, also made of polycarbonate and nylon in the Crystal and Meteor White, respectively, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. While the Crystal offers a sharper and clearer sound due to its stiffer polycarbonate housing materials, the Meteor White provides a deeper and fuller sound with its softer nylon housing materials. Ultimately, both switches provide unique sonic experiences through their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are several differences to consider. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the force required for actuation is not available for the Meteor White switch. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Crystal at 55 grams and the Meteor White at 57 grams.

The difference in actuation force means that the Crystal switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor White switch, assuming it falls within the standard range of forces typically found in linear switches. The medium-light bottom out force of both switches suggests that they will produce a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to press keys fully.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal switch might be more suitable as it has a lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where finger fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and a stronger push when typing may prefer a switch with a heavier force, though the specific actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a known actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of slightly heavier 57 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier touch while typing.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience. Whether you choose the Crystal or the Meteor White, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a unique acoustic signature. It is described as chirpy, meaning it has a slight squeak when pressed, which sets it apart from other switches. Additionally, it has a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It also has a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Outemu Crystal and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer a polished typing experience. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Crystal switch has a fairly elastic type feel and is also medium-light in weight, providing a unique linear typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound, while the Meteor White switch has a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic. Both switches offer a polished feel that ensures smooth and refined typing experience, but the Crystal switch has a medium-light weight and elastic type feel, while the Meteor White switch offers a milder typing experience. Based on these qualities, individuals can choose the switch that aligns with their preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and elastic typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light weight that is comfortable for typing. They have a polished feel, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal switches are described as chirpy and high-pitched, giving them a distinct and sharp sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and soft typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches also fall into the medium-light weight category. They have a mild feel, making them approachable to most users, and they also have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Meteor White switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, and they also produce a deep, rich, and satisfying thocky sound when pressed.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and SP-Star Meteor White switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer medium-light weight, a polished feel, and distinct characteristics in terms of sound. Consider what qualities are most important to you and select the switch that aligns with your preferences. In the end, both switches have their unique features and can elevate your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more