TTC Gold Silver vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, delivering a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. This switch provides a smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is characterized by its subdued nature, offering a gentle typing experience with a soft sound profile. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Meteor White provides a soft and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from the absorbing properties of nylon, which contribute to a more muffled sound upon bottoming out.
However, where these switches differ is in their top housing material. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White offer similar results when it comes to bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muffled tone upon bottoming out. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, even if the top housing material may slightly affect the overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics in terms of force requirements. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Meteor White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Meteor White requires a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Gold Silver would be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, while the Meteor White would be considered heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we can see that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Meteor White has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. The Gold Silver's 3.5 mm travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Meteor White's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Both options offer a different tactile experience, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on 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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and solid bottom-out, creating a satisfying closure with each keystroke. It offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that resonates with each press, along with a smooth and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued and gentle typing experience with a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Its feel is described as mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches offer a neutral typing experience suitable for various purposes and users. The Gold Silver excels in providing a swift and decisive typing experience with a resonant sound signature, while the Meteor White offers a softer and more gentle typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a smooth and satisfying typing experience for any user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out, and a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, easy-to-push switch with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound you desire in your typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.