Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and SP-Star Meteor Orange offer distinct qualities for different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is a linear switch that stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is a tactile switch known for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. While the Keygeek Raw provides a slightly textured feel right out of the box and is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing switches, the Meteor Orange offers a soft and seductive tactile experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and SP-Star Meteor Orange both feature nylon in their housing materials, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. However, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a blend of Nylon & UPE for the top housing and UMPE & Si for the bottom housing, while the Meteor Orange sticks to pure nylon for both top and bottom housings. This difference in material blends may affect the overall feel and sound of the switches, with the Keygeek Raw potentially offering a more unique typing experience due to its exclusive blends.
Both switches benefit from nylon's softer plastic property, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption quality contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, making typing on these switches a more satisfying experience for those who prefer a quieter and more muted sound. Whether it's the Keygeek Raw's exclusive blends or the Meteor Orange's classic nylon housing, users can expect a tactile and responsive typing experience with a distinctive sound signature that sets them apart from other switches on the market.
The split qualities of the bottom and top housings in a switch can play a significant role in how the switch feels and sounds during typing. The bottom housing, which has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be influenced by the material blend used by the Keygeek Raw, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can shape the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material selection in creating a switch that meets the preferences of different users.
Weight
Comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Meteor Orange's 57 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force. The heavier bottom out force of the Keygeek Raw may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Meteor Orange may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a medium to medium-light resistance, providing a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Keygeek Raw being on the shorter end and the Meteor Orange being slightly longer. Gamers may gravitate towards the Keygeek Raw for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the SP-Star Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Keygeek Raw and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches have a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Meteor Orange switches have the added benefit of a "thocky" sound, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material chosen.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switches offer a textured typing experience right out of the box, which can be appealing to users who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. They also provide a mild and subtle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish can enhance the overall typing feel for users who prefer a sleeker touch.
Overall, both the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw switches provide a textured and mildly resistant feel with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience with an additional "thocky" sound characteristic. Depending on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring a pleasant tactile and auditory experience while typing.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the feel and sound you prefer. If you enjoy a slightly textured and lightweight switch that you can hand-lube for a personalized touch, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle and polished typing experience with a soft tactility and neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, so your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences.
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