Gateron Melodic vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Meteor White offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle and subdued nature, offering easy pushability and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. While the Melodic is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Meteor White is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its advantages depending on individual preferences; 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Although both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Melodic.
While the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Meteor White switches share a common nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials offer distinct characteristics. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a clear and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued and rounded typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Meteor White switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing offers a bright and clear sound, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the advantages of using nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a more comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience based on the materials used in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that they both have a similar actuation force. The actuation force for both switches is listed as None grams, meaning that both switches will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is slightly lighter at a medium-light level. This means that the Melodic switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, whereas the Meteor White switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With both switches having an identical travel distance, users can expect consistent results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. Whether you prefer the clicky feel of the Melodic switch or the smooth linear action of the Meteor White switch, both options provide a standard travel distance that ensures a familiar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a neutral and thocky sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and snappy feel. Meanwhile, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing sensation, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a clicky switch with a resonant sound and invigorating feel or a linear switch with a thocky sound and polished feel, both switches offer quality craftsmanship and innovative features. Whichever option you choose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Melodic if you prefer a medium bottom out force, enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile, and favor a buttery or invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, select the Meteor White if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, like a neutral or thocky sound profile, and appreciate a mild or polished typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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