Durock Medium Tactile vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its unique flavor of tactility, offering a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback that many enthusiasts love. Additionally, it boasts a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for its gentle linear operation, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Its soft pitter-patter sound profile further contributes to a serene typing experience. While both switches have their strengths, it's important to go beyond these generalities to determine which one is the best fit for your personal preferences. Let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make an informed decision.
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor White has a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Medium Tactile and Meteor White use nylon. This material is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the sound profile, there is similarity between the two switches in terms of their bottom housing.
However, it's important to note that the top housing material has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile is designed to enhance the sound when keys are released, resulting in a distinct sound experience. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White provides a different sound sensation, producing a deeper and fuller sound when releasing keys.
In summary, while both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound profiles, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is important to note that the specific force measurements are unavailable for both switches. However, in terms of weight, the Medium Tactile switch is described as medium-heavy due to its 65-gram bottom out force, while the Meteor White switch is categorized as medium-light with a bottom out force of 57 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel may find the Meteor White switch more suitable for their needs. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience that requires a stronger push may prefer the Medium Tactile switch. The heavier bottom out force of 65 grams provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Even though the specific actuation forces are unknown, it can be inferred that both switches likely require a similar force to trigger a keystroke, as they are categorized as medium tactile and linear switches, respectively. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation force.
In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile and SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in their bottom out forces, with the Medium Tactile being heavier and the Meteor White being lighter. However, without explicit information on their actuation forces, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Nonetheless, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the choice ultimately depending on whether a lighter or heavier push feel is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White switches 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 experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these switches ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the SP-Star Meteor White, you can rest assured that the travel distance will be the same, providing a consistent typing experience.
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 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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. It also produces a distinctive jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a gentle linear feel that is easy to push. Its sound profile is described as a gentle, pitter-patter sound. Both switches provide a soft feel and sound.
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. However, it is known to have a jelly-like sound signature, which suggests a unique and enjoyable sound when typing. The SP-Star Meteor White switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. Additionally, it is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers several descriptors. It is accented, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as stepped, giving it a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Furthermore, it is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. Lastly, it is mentioned to be polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for smooth key travel.
The SP-Star Meteor White switch shares the mild descriptor with the Durock Medium Tactile switch, indicating a gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, suggesting a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. The SP-Star Meteor White switch is known for its gentle linear feel and pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches offer a soft feel and sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with similar qualities, either one would provide a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. Its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White is the one for you. Both switches offer a soft sound profile, with the Meteor White having the additional option of a thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile provides an accented, stepped, mild, and polished experience, while the Meteor White offers a mild and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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