SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, one may find themselves torn between the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch, and the Haimu Neo White, a linear switch. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their soft and gentle tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White switches offer a medium weight and reduced total travel, resulting in a smooth actuation and a distinctive typing feel. While the Meteor Orange leans towards a 'thocky' and polished profile, the Neo White is more on the neutral side. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Neo White, it is clear that they have differing characteristics based on the materials used. The Meteor Orange uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a stiffer plastic that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in material choice ultimately impacts the overall sound experience when typing on these switches, with the Nylon of the Meteor Orange providing a more muted sound compared to the clarity of the polycarbonate in the Neo White.
Despite their differences, both the Meteor Orange and Neo White share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing nature of nylon. However, the distinction in their top housing materials results in a notable variance in their sound profiles, with the polycarbonate of the Neo White offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon of the Meteor Orange. This showcases how subtle differences in housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This division of qualities based on housing materials means that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of switches like the Meteor Orange and Neo White can lead to contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have some key differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it on the lighter side, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, slightly heavier. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but since they have similar bottom out forces, users can expect to get similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. When considering weight, users may lean towards the Meteor Orange for a lighter typing experience ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Neo White may appeal to those seeking a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance. The Meteor Orange offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, while the Neo White provides a slightly shallower experience. The Meteor Orange may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when pressing keys, while the Neo White could appeal to those looking for a slightly quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel, although the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for keypress feel and 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for various settings. The Meteor Orange switch also has a thocky sound quality, adding a deep and satisfying tone to each keystroke. Keep in mind that the overall sound of the switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Meteor Orange and Neo White switches offer a mild typing experience. The Meteor Orange switch is known for its gentle tactility, providing a soft and seductive feel while typing. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel that is smooth and satisfying. Both switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor Orange switch provides a thocky sound profile and a polished feel, the Neo White switch stands out with its smooth actuation and medium weight. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are sure to deliver a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a gentle and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, along with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Meteor Orange would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly reduced total travel, smooth actuation, and a medium bottom-out force, the Neo White with its distinctive typing feel would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the softer tactility of the Meteor Orange or the smooth actuation of the Neo White, both offering a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
