Durock Medium Tactile vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer unique qualities that make them worth considering. The Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a distinctive jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', it provides a tactile experience that is both satisfying and refined. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch boasts the qualities of being exquisitely gentle, with a soft and seductive tactility that appeals to many users. Its neutral sound profile adds to its allure. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Meteor Orange offers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, they create distinct experiences for the user. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile is known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, resulting in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both housings are compatible with RGB lighting, making them suitable for those who prefer visual aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, both the Medium Tactile and the Meteor Orange utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deep and full sound profile. Being a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With similar bottom housings, the typing experience on both switches can be expected to have comparable sound qualities.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to recognize that the qualities of the bottom and top housings are spread throughout the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, users can expect a unique combination of the different sound profiles created by the housing materials in these switches, resulting in a distinctive typing experience for each product.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are some notable differences. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile has a heavier force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Conversely, the Meteor Orange has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that lighter switches have their advantages. They allow for prolonged typing sessions, making them suitable for work and long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may prefer switches with heavier forces.
While the actuation forces of the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange are unknown, it is safe to assume that they are likely to yield similar results. Despite the differences in bottom out force, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, albeit with varying degrees of weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent and similar tactile feel in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile, described as a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, with the Medium Tactile providing a unique jelly-like sound, and the Meteor Orange offering a more neutral sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as a stepped switch, providing a mild tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is considered a mild switch that offers a gentle typing experience and is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is also described as a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. It is also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a similar mild and polished feel, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. The Medium Tactile is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, while the Meteor Orange is recognized for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. The Medium Tactile provides a more accented and stepped feel, while the Meteor Orange offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, but with distinct characteristics. Therefore, depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined finish that provides reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Medium Tactile's polished characteristics make it a great option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer and more seductive tactility and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers a medium-light feel that is approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Meteor Orange switch's mild characteristics, coupled with its polished finish, provide a gentle and sleek typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Whether you prefer a slightly heavier and more pronounced tactility with a jelly-like sound or a softer and more seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, both switches offer their unique strengths. By considering your typing style and preferences, you can determine which switch will provide the most enjoyable and satisfying typing experience for you.
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