SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider, such as the switch's tactility, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Two switches that stand out in the market are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange is best known for its gentle and soft tactility, offering a satisfying typing experience without being too intense. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its sharp, strong, and unique tactile feel, providing a rare and premium typing experience. What sets the Moyu Blacks apart is their hypertactile sensation, featuring a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump. Additionally, their distinctive sound profile, characterized by a short, snappy, and punchy sound, adds to the overall impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their housing materials. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on the Meteor Orange switches produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing. PBT is a relatively uncommon material for switch housings and offers a more neutral sound profile. It is neither very crisp nor dull, providing a different typing experience compared to the Meteor Orange.
Both the Meteor Orange and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have nylon and PBT bottom housings, respectively. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that, when used in switches, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound profile. It neither provides a particularly crisp nor dull sound, completing the balanced typing experience of the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities each housing material brings are divided. Pressing down on a switch will make you feel the impact and sound influenced by the bottom housing. As such, the bottom housing of the Meteor Orange and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, depending on the chosen switch, whether it be the Meteor Orange or the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), the typing experience will have distinct characteristics associated with their respective top and bottom housings, resulting in different sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, while the Moyu Black requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light, whereas the Moyu Black requires 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. In this regard, the Moyu Black would offer a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Meteor Orange. However, if one desires similar results or preferences, the medium-light bottom out force of the Meteor Orange and the medium-heavy bottom out force of the Moyu Black could still provide comparable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for force requirements during typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile 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 feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results and experience of using both switches will be similar in terms of the travel distance.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a resonant sound profile, resulting in a clean and sharp sound when typing. This switch provides an immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched sound. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most typists. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is accented and sharp in its tactile feedback. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a prominent and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. The sharp tactile feedback gives it a high intensity and crispness.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is well-regarded for its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, mild and polished feel, and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch stands out with its sharp and strong tactile feel, resonant sound profile, and distinctive and impactful typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the more gentle and neutral experience of the Meteor Orange or the sharper and more resonant experience of the Moyu Black. Regardless of choice, both switches offer a premium and satisfying typing experience, catering to different tastes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a gentle and smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a soft and seductive tactility, resulting in a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Meteor Orange switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more prominent tactile feel with a distinctive and impactful typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is the one for you. These switches feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, thanks to their medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out. The unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing also adds to the premium typing experience provided by these switches.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a gentle and smooth typing experience with a moderate sound profile, go for the Meteor Orange switches. However, if you prefer a more prominent tactile feel and a distinctive typing experience with a sharp sound profile, the Moyu Blacks are the way to go. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactility when making your decision.
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