TTC Gold Red vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and SP-Star Meteor Orange offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is renowned for its buttery smooth linear switch design, providing a delightful typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are revered for their exquisite gentleness, boasting a soft and seductive tactility. Their neutral sound profile ensures a pleasant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches have significant differences. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both housing materials provide distinct sound profiles, the Gold Red offers a sharper and crisper tone, while the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches differ in material. The Gold Red employs a nylon bottom housing, just like the Meteor Orange. As with the top housing, this material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, whether it's the Gold Red or the Meteor Orange, the bottom housing contributes to a similar sound experience during typing, with both switches offering a deeper and fuller sound.

When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities each material brings are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Gold Red and the Meteor Orange may have different housing materials, the overall sound experience of each switch is influenced by both the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, some notable differences arise. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is lighter compared to the Meteor Orange's unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Gold Red requiring 50 grams and the Meteor Orange requiring 57 grams, making the latter slightly heavier.

Considering weight in choosing a switch can impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Gold Red would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions. This is particularly beneficial for individuals using their keyboards extensively in work environments or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, users seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Meteor Orange provides a medium-light option due to its higher bottom out force.

While the actuation force of the Meteor Orange is not specified, it is worth noting that if it falls within a similar range as the Gold Red, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force does differ, making the typing experience slightly heavier with the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier feel while typing.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback during use. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Meteor Orange, you can expect a similar experience when it comes to the travel distance of the switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when you press and release the keys, you can expect a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" sound. The sound is moderate in volume and has a pleasant bass-heavy tone. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch also has a neutral sound profile, but with a touch of thockiness. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep and rich sound, similar to the Gold Red switch. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience without being too loud or obtrusive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a comfortable feel while typing. The smoothness of these switches enhances the overall typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, TTC Gold Red switches are described as subtle, meaning they provide a gentle resistance that won't disturb others in shared spaces. The polished finish of these switches further contributes to their smoothness, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch also provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches have a comfortable resistance level and a refined finish, making for a smooth and pleasant typing feel. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches contribute to their overall polished typing experience. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience suitable for most users, with the Gold Red switch having a slightly silkier feel.

Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. They also provide a mild and polished typing experience, offering a comfortable and smooth feel while typing. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Meteor Orange switch, you can expect a gentle and satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can further influence the subjective qualities of these switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider.

If you value a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch with its bottom out force of 50 grams would be a great choice. It offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. In terms of feel, the Gold Red is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch with its bottom out force of 57 grams would be a better fit. These switches are exquisitively gentle with a soft and seductive tactility. The neutral sound profile of the Meteor Orange switch makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The sound profile of the Meteor Orange switch is described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild typing experience and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.

Ultimately, your choice between the Gold Red and Meteor Orange switches depends on your personal preferences for typing force, sound profile, and overall feel. Consider the level of resistance and the sound characteristics that appeal to you the most, as well as whether you prefer a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more