KTT Lightning vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the SP-Star Meteor White both fall under the linear switch category. However, their unique characteristics make them suitable for different preferences and needs. The KTT Lightnings are well-regarded for their speed, making them ideal for gaming scenarios where milliseconds can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Typing on these switches provides a slick feel and a clacky sound profile, making them stand out among other linear switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a more subdued experience. It has a gentle linear action that requires minimal force, resulting in effortless typing. Its pitter-patter sound profile adds to the soft and relaxed typing experience. Whether you prioritize speed and precision or prefer a gentler and more subtle typing experience, both switches have their unique advantages. However, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$3.41 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. In comparison, the Meteor White has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a translucent housing, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Lightning and the Meteor White utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic material for switch housings and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a dull and round sound. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound characteristic, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a stronger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. With the Lightning's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing, typists can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing predominantly affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials differ, both the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing and the Meteor White's nylon top housing contribute to the switch's overall sound aesthetics in their own unique ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Meteor White's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottoming out, the Lightning requires 50 grams of force compared to the Meteor White's 57 grams. Overall, the Lightning switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. This lightweight quality makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming use. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch falls into the medium-light category, providing a slightly stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Despite the difference in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a similar result in terms of functional keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Meteor White, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning's 3 mm travel distance is more shallow, offering a quicker response time that is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor White's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a greater depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a more responsive and quick feel of the keys or a deeper and more substantial press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Lightning is considered high-pitched, meaning it produces a sharp and crisp sound that lacks the rich and bassy tones found in some other switches. It can also be characterized as slightly chirpy, lending a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile. It produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound when pressed, which can be described as soft and neutral. However, the Meteor White switch also has a thocky quality, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Overall, the Lightning switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Meteor White switch produces a more subdued and thocky sound.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not overly feather-light, providing a light typing feel. The Lightning switch also offers a polished feel, which means it has a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Lightning switch, the Meteor White switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and enjoyable typing experience.

Considering the available information, it is evident that the KTT Lightning and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Lightning switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It offers a subtle and polished feel, maintaining a light typing experience while reducing friction. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a subdued and thocky sound profile, producing gentle and deep tones when pressed. It also provides a mild and polished typing feel, making it approachable to most users. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used. However, based on the information provided, one can expect distinct subjective qualities from each switch, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between winning or losing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and subdued typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 57 grams, it still falls under the medium-light category and provides an easy push. Its sound profile is described as pitter-patter and gentle, offering a softer and more neutral experience. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more