SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Red stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Meteor Orange is celebrated for its exquisite gentleness, soft tactility, and neutral sound profile, making it a preferred option for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Meteor Orange offers a gentle touch and quiet operation, the MX Red provides a more tactile and audible typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Red switches use nylon as their housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches made from harder plastics. The nylon top housing of both switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, the differences lie in the colors and branding of the switches. The SP-Star Meteor Orange switch features a vibrant orange color, while the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its classic red color. While both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their nylon housing, the aesthetic appeal may be a deciding factor for users looking to customize their keyboards or match a specific color scheme.
Additionally, the bottom housing of the switches plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are felt when the switch is pressed down. This means that despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the typing experience may still vary slightly depending on how the top and bottom housings interact with each other during typing. Users who are particular about the tactile feedback of a switch may find subtle differences between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Red switches in terms of how they feel when typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ significantly. The SP-Star Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This means the MX Red is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Meteor Orange. The actuation force is important for typing speed and accuracy, while the bottom out force affects the overall typing feel. Some may prefer the Meteor Orange for its heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Cherry MX Red for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a moderate travel distance, allowing for quick and precise keystrokes. While other characteristics may differentiate the two switches, their travel distance remains the same, ensuring that users can expect similar results when it comes to the feel of pressing down on a key.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a deeper, low-pitched sound with a thocky characteristic that adds a satisfying auditory depth to the typing experience. Both switches emphasize the importance of sound quality in enhancing the overall typing feel, creating a more immersive and enjoyable user experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Meteor Orange is gentle and polished, offering a mild typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This ensures comfortable key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing feel. In contrast, the MX Red is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed for those who prefer a bit of resistance in their typing experience. The slight heftier feel of the MX Red adds to the overall robustness of the switch, catering to users who prefer a more substantial keypress.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, gentler typing feel with a neutral sound profile or a slightly heavier, more textured keypress accompanied by a deep, low-pitched thocky sound, both options cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor Orange and MX Red switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you value a gentle and neutral typing experience with a soft and seductive tactility, the Meteor Orange may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier and more robust typing feel with a deep, thocky sound profile, the MX Red could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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