SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry Nixie are two options that stand out among the rest. The SP-Star Meteor Orange is a tactile switch known for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that offers a textured typing experience and substantial heft, thanks to Cherry's latest MX2A update. While the Meteor Orange excels in its gentle feel and smooth sound, the Nixie stands out for its textured feedback and traditional yet innovative design. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry Nixie are both made of nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials means that both the Meteor Orange and Nixie switches will offer a similar typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the difference in their top and bottom housings may slightly alter the typing experience. The qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This subtle difference in housing design may lead to variations in the overall typing experience between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches.
Despite the slight differences in their housing design, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Cherry Nixie switches both offer a high-quality typing experience due to their nylon housing material. The deeper and fuller sound profile elicited by typing on switches with nylon housings creates a satisfying tactile feedback for users. Regardless of whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Nixie switch, you can expect a similar level of sound quality and typing comfort thanks to the use of nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, making the Nixie heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which is lighter compared to the Nixie's 80 grams. This means that the Nixie provides a heavier typing experience overall. The actuation force is crucial for triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Meteor Orange for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier keypress feel of the Nixie for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and usage.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance before bottoming out. This can result in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. It is important to note that while both switches have the same travel distance, they offer different tactile and linear feedback, so the overall typing experience may vary between the two. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, providing a similar feel during use.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
In terms of 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 typists. The sound is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch also offers a thocky sound profile but with a low-pitched tone, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a gentle and polished typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The mild tactility and smooth key travel result in a refined and comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users looking for a switch with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a slightly scratchy feel, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and texture.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor Orange switch provides a softer and more polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Nixie switch offers a textured feel and a low-pitched thocky sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to customize their mechanical keyboard to suit their needs. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as both options offer quality craftsmanship and innovative design features.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a gentle and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, and a thocky sound when pressed, then the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a textured typing experience, and a low-pitched thocky sound when pressed, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactility when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
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