Outemu Lime vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange offer unique features that cater to tactile keyboard enthusiasts. The Lime switches are renowned for their distinct characteristics, comprising a lightweight construction with a delightful touch of tactility, all while being reliably silenced. These switches provide an ideal typing experience for those who prefer a feathery light keypress. In contrast, the Meteor Orange switches captivate users with their exceptionally gentle tactility, boasting a soft and seductive typing feel. Additionally, their sound profile remains neutral, enhancing the overall tranquility of your typing sessions. While these general descriptions provide a solid foundation for considering each switch, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you make the most informed decision for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange have similar housing materials as they both use nylon for both the top and bottom housing of the switch. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb more sound. This absorption creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. Therefore, both the Lime and the Meteor Orange switches will provide a similar sound experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their nylon housing.
Although the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange share the same nylon housing material, there may be some differences between the top and bottom housing of each switch. The qualities brought by the housing material will be split between the top and bottom, affecting different aspects of the switch's performance. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The properties of the bottom housing will influence how the switch sounds and feels when fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. The characteristics of the top housing will determine the sound profile when the key is released, contributing to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches both utilize nylon for their housing materials. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. These switches share similar sound characteristics due to their nylon housing. However, slight differences may arise if the top and bottom housing of a switch are not the same, as each housing will affect different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their weight ratings. The Lime switch features a relatively lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a gentle and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange switch's actuation force remains unknown, but it has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, offering a medium-light resistance.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience for prolonged periods, the Lime switch proves to be an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Meteor Orange switch. Though the actuation force of the Meteor Orange is undisclosed, its greater bottom out force of 57 grams provides a firmer tactile feedback, resulting in a more pronounced typing experience.
While the actuation force and bottom out force of the Lime and Meteor Orange switches differ, it is worth noting that both switches offer tactile feedback, allowing users to feel each key activation. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard. In this case, we can compare the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Meteor Orange. The Lime's shorter travel distance makes it ideal for gamers who prefer faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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, both the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound, making them suitable for most scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work setting. However, the Lime switches have the additional quality of being muted, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are described as thocky, which means they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, if you are looking for a neutral sound profile, both switches will provide similar results, but if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lime switches would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches have qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, both switches are polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The polished surface reduces friction and provides smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel of the switches. The Lime switches are specially known for their feathery light typing experience, which requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue. However, the Meteor Orange switches lack a specific tactile descriptor, so their exact feel may be slightly different. Nevertheless, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Outemu Lime and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches share several similar qualities. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild and gentle typing experience. They are both polished, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. However, the Lime switches have the additional benefit of being silenced, providing a quieter typing experience. If you prioritize a softer and quieter sound, the Lime switches would be the better choice. Nonetheless, if you prefer a switch that produces a deep and satisfying sound, the Meteor Orange switches would be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are a fan of lightweight switches with a touch of tactility and a feathery typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them extremely light. They are also silenced, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Lime switches are best known for their lightweight design, approachable tactility, and muted sound profile. They provide a mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, and the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, the Meteor Orange switches offer a medium-light typing experience. They have a neutral sound profile with a thocky sound when pressed. These switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, thanks to their refined finish and reduced friction.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches comes down to your preference for switch weight and tactility. If you prioritize lightweight switches with a feathery feel and muted sound, go for the Lime switches. On the other hand, if you prefer slightly heavier switches with a soft and seductive tactility, the Meteor Orange switches are the way to go. Both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring comfortable and smooth key travel.
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