Durock Light Tactile vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Light Tactile switch is well-known for its super gentle tactility, offering a refreshing change from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is characterized by its subdued and gentle linear design. It requires easy presses and produces a soft pitter-patter sound profile. With both switches categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Mild', they offer a similar level of smoothness. However, the Light Tactile switch leans towards a more polished experience, while the Meteor White offers additional softness with a 'Thocky' sound profile. Now that we've explored these generalities, let's delve deeper into the specific features of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White have contrasting housing materials. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor White uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, these two switches offer different sound experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Light Tactile and the Meteor White utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the difference in their top housings, the Light Tactile and Meteor White switches share similar sound characteristics when it comes to their bottom housings.
When considering the overall sound profile of a switch, it is important to note the impact of both top and bottom housings. While pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's qualities play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the difference between the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile and the nylon top housing of the Meteor White will result in distinct sound experiences upon key release. However, both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering similar results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is on the heavier side, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is lighter in comparison.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, particularly for work or extended gaming sessions. In this regard, the Meteor White switch may be more suitable, as its bottom out force is lighter than that of the Light Tactile switch. However, others might favor a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. For these individuals, the heavier bottom out force of the Light Tactile switch would be a better choice.
While the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, it is worth noting that the actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Since both switches are from the same series, it is likely that they have similar actuation forces. Therefore, if the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is comparable to that of the Light Tactile switch, one can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
In summary, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 52 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has an unknown actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for lighter or heavier forces during typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their equal travel distances. Whether you choose the Light Tactile or the Meteor White, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use these switches at home or work, the Light Tactile switch will be suitable for most intents and purposes. Similarly, the Meteor White switch also provides a neutral sound profile. However, it also has an additional descriptor of "thocky," which indicates that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. This can be likened to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the Light Tactile and the Meteor White switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle tactile feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The use of higher quality materials and/or factory lubing contributes to the overall smoothness and refinement of these switches.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience with neutral sound profiles. However, the Meteor White switch has the additional "thocky" descriptor, suggesting a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences and individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a soft sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, typing on these switches provides a satisfying experience. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subdued and gentle linear feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is perfect for you. With its easy-to-push actuation and pitter-patter sound profile, this switch offers a soft and smooth typing experience. Furthermore, the Meteor White switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch.
Both the Light Tactile and Meteor White switches have a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you intend to use them at home or work. Both switches also offer a mild and approachable typing experience, thanks to their polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a gentle tactility or a linear feel, as well as the different sound profiles and bottom out forces of each switch. In the end, selecting the right switch will enhance your typing experience and satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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