TTC Gold Silver vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying bottom-out with each press. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange offers a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, making it a subtle yet enjoyable typing experience. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Meteor Orange focuses on a soft and seductive tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities that 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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 TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In comparison, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While the Gold Silver's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Gold Silver and Meteor Orange utilize a nylon material. This classic switch housing material enhances the overall sound profile of the switches, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that is influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the Gold Silver and Meteor Orange offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with distinct typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is clear that they have distinct characteristics. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Meteor Orange, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange is heavier at 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Gold Silver, whose bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Silver, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the Meteor Orange for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Meteor Orange tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver switch falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice will give similar results in terms of tactile feedback, but the choice between a slightly shorter or longer travel distance comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver linear switch is best described as having a thocky and low-pitched profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This resonant sound signature enhances the overall typing experience, providing a sense of tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, creating a pleasant and soft sound when pressed. Both switches provide a moderate sound experience suitable for various settings, whether it be at home or in a shared workspace.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver is known for its polished and silky typing experience. The switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a seamless and refined feel with each press. The tactile feedback is mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch also offers a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and a gentle tactile feedback. Both switches fall into a middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel, making them approachable and comfortable for a wide range of users.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out, and a thocky sound profile, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a soft tactility, neutral sound profile, and a polished typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on speed and fluidity, and the Meteor Orange prioritizing gentle tactility and a smooth typing feel. Whether you prefer a quicker and more decisive typing experience or a gentle and refined feel, both switches offer quality performance and can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you crave rapid responsiveness and a smooth keystroke accompanied by a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, tactile typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and precision or gentle tactility and a neutral sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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