SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch are popular options to consider. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switches are known for their rapid response and low spring resistance, making them ideal for gamers seeking quick trigger action. While the Meteor Orange switch excels in providing a soft and seductive typing experience, the MX Speed Silver switch stands out for its speed and responsiveness. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches helps to enhance the overall typing experience by offering a more pleasant sound and feel while typing.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon as their housing material, the color and design of the Meteor Orange and the Speed Silver may differ, giving each switch a unique aesthetic appeal. While the housing material plays a key role in sound production and tactile feedback, the visual aspects of the switch can also influence a user's preference. Whether it's the vibrant orange hue of the Meteor Orange or the sleek silver finish of the Speed Silver, the housing material is just one aspect of the overall design that contributes to the switch's appearance and functionality.
In terms of performance, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange and the Speed Silver may contribute to a similar typing experience. The softer nature of nylon helps to dampen sound and provide a more cushioned feel when typing, enhancing the overall user experience. While the specific design and construction of the switches may vary, the shared use of nylon as a housing material ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback from both switches, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams, providing a slightly heavier touch. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Meteor Orange may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the MX Speed Silver may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. In terms of bottoming out, without specific data, it is difficult to determine which switch would provide a more satisfying bottom out experience. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on the user's individual typing style and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the MX Speed Silver. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver provides a shorter travel distance, making it more ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to users with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and desired responsiveness.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced enthusiasts. The switch produces a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch also produces a thocky sound, but with a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant auditory experience, with the Meteor Orange offering a more versatile sound profile while the MX Speed Silver delivers a more bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a gentle typing experience with its mild tactility, making it approachable for most users. The switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Overall, the Meteor Orange provides a gentle and polished typing feel, while the MX Speed Silver offers a more textured and potentially divisive experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Meteor Orange excels in providing a gentle and versatile sound and feel, making it a great option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and distinct low-pitched thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality performance tailored to your needs as both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should weigh your priorities. If you are looking for a gentle and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if rapid response time and maximum speed are essential to you, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a softer typing experience with a moderate sound profile like the Meteor Orange, or the lightning-fast response and full-height design of the MX Speed Silver. Consider your preferences and needs to determine which switch will best suit your usage and typing style.
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