Gateron Melodic vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic is praised for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery and invigorating typing experience with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are favored for their medium-light typing experience and low-pitched sound profile, offering a neutral and polished feel. If you enjoy crunchy keys and a resonant feel, the Gateron Melodic might be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a thocky and mild typing experience with a polished sound, the SP-Star RedBlue could be more to your liking. 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and SP-Star RedBlue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star RedBlue switches differ mainly in their bottom housing materials. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile. This split in housing materials affects the sound and feel of the switches differently. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, both the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and clear sound, especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing in the Melodic provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing in the RedBlue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel, as each offers a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the RedBlue's 57 grams. Both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning you'll get similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Melodic switch provides a medium typing experience, while the RedBlue switch offers a slightly lighter and more responsive feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the heavier feel of the Melodic for a more substantial typing experience, while others may prefer the lighter touch of the RedBlue for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance which provides a smooth typing experience. Whether using the Melodic clicky switch or the RedBlue linear switch, users can enjoy a comfortable and reliable typing experience with a consistent feel across both switches.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a high-pitched sound profile and crisp, satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch provides a low-pitched, thocky sound that is deep and rich, with a more mellow tone compared to the Melodic switch. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic being more lively and the RedBlue being more subdued.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with gentle key presses and a refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Both switches have their own distinct feel, with the Melodic being more tactile and energetic, while the RedBlue provides a more subtle and refined typing sensation.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique sound and feel experiences. While the Melodic switch excels in providing a lively and resonant typing experience with its smooth lubing and dual-railed stems, the RedBlue switch offers a more subdued and polished feel with its medium-light typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches bring their own distinct characteristics to the table.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback and a medium bottom out force, then the Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile and smooth key travel, the RedBlue switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to choose based on what aligns best with your personal tastes.
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