Dareu Master vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and SP-Star Meteor Orange offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master linear switch is praised for its medium weight, classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and soft touch. While the Master switch provides a clacky and polished typing experience, the Meteor Orange offers a thocky and polished feel. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and SP-Star Meteor Orange both use different materials for their housing components, with the Master featuring POM housings and the Meteor Orange utilizing nylon housings. POM housings are known for creating a unique, deep, and relatively muted sound profile, while nylon housings produce a fuller and deeper sound due to their softer plastic composition. The POM top housing of the Master will bring a distinctive sound when key is released, whereas the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange will create a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Dareu Master's POM bottom housing and the SP-Star Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM bottom housing of the Master generates a deep and pleasing sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange creates a fuller sound profile. It's important to note that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Master and SP-Star Meteor Orange differ, they both aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The POM and nylon materials offer distinct sound profiles, with POM offering a more muted and deep sound while nylon produces a fuller and deeper sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to create a satisfying typing experience by utilizing materials that absorb sound and contribute to a pleasant typing sound and feel. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Master or the SP-Star Meteor Orange, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Meteor Orange has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the bottom out force of the Master switch is unknown. Choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Master switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. Gamers often opt for shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Dareu Master a good choice for gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Master being more on the crisp and bright side, while the Meteor Orange leans towards a deeper and more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Master and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Master switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness in operation, providing a polished and refined typing feel. Similarly, the Meteor Orange switch is described as gentle and soft, with a seductive tactility that enhances the typing experience. Both switches fall into the category of being polished and mild, ensuring a smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it can be noted that while the Dareu Master linear switch and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, they both provide a pleasant typing experience. Depending on personal preference for the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, choosing between the clacky and smooth Master switch or the neutral and thocky Meteor Orange switch will ultimately come down to individual preference. However, whether you opt for the Dareu Master or SP-Star Meteor Orange switch, you can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a thocky sound, the Meteor Orange switch could be more your style. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. Happy typing!
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