SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gateron Mountain Top switches stand out for their unique qualities. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with the office environment in mind, offering a quiet yet lightly actuated typing experience that is perfect for professional settings. While the Meteor Orange switches are known for their soft and seductive tactility, the Mountain Top switches cater to those who value discretion and continuous typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Mountain Top, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on both switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and typing experiences when using either the Meteor Orange or the Mountain Top.
While the housing materials of the Meteor Orange and Mountain Top switches are the same, it is important to note that the qualities of the nylon material will be distributed differently between the top and bottom housings of each switch. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that even though both switches utilize nylon for their housings, the specific typing experience may slightly vary depending on the design and construction of the bottom and top housings in each switch.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared use of nylon housing materials. Both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound that is enhanced by the softer nature of nylon, creating a duller and rounder typing sound. However, the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings may result in subtle differences in the overall typing experience. Regardless, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch thanks to the classic and effective nylon housing material used in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top switch is lighter in both aspects. The Meteor Orange has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly to the 40 grams of the Mountain Top. However, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is heavier than the 50 grams of the Mountain Top. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mountain Top switch, as it offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Meteor Orange, despite the lack of specific actuation force information. Both switches offer different weights, catering to individuals who prefer varying levels of force in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we can see that the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mountain Top linear switch offers a quicker press response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input speed. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch provides a bit more depth and feedback when pressed due to its longer travel distance. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences. Gamers looking for quick and responsive key presses may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top, while those seeking a more tactile and satisfying typing experience may opt for the SP-Star Meteor Orange.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch are described as having a neutral profile, making them suitable for most purposes. The Meteor Orange switch is also noted for producing a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is engineered for discretion with a quiet, yet not entirely silent typing experience, ideal for office environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. This switch offers a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, and snappy, offering a lively and responsive typing feel with minimal force required for activation. The Mountain Top switch is designed to enhance the typing experience by providing a low-impact yet engaging feel to reduce finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and settings. The Meteor Orange switch provides a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, while the Mountain Top switch is specifically engineered for discretion in office environments with a quiet typing experience and bouncy, easy-to-press keys. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the intended use case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a soft and seductive tactility, the Meteor Orange may be the right choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a focus on discreet typing in office settings, the Mountain Top switch could be more suitable. It provides a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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