SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisitely gentle nature, offering a soft and seductive tactility that keyboard enthusiasts adore. Their neutral sound profile adds to the overall pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil Kings are easily one of the favorite linear switches among users. With buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, they provide a satisfying sensation during keystrokes. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Meteor Orange switch offers a unique typing feel. In contrast, the Oil King switch falls under categories like 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Polished', promising a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon as their top housing material. This makes for a classic switch housing material, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Meteor Orange and the Oil King are likely to provide a similar experience in terms of sound when typing on the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, there is a noticeable difference between the two switches. The Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The INK blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, without being overly sharp. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound commonly described as clacky. Thus, the Oil King offers a contrasting sound experience compared to the Meteor Orange in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role when it comes to the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it's nylon or Gateron's INK blend, will have a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is nylon for both switches, will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in bottom housing material, the top housing similarities between the Meteor Orange and the Oil King mean that the sound profile when releasing a key is likely to be similar.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, according to the given information, while the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams. This implies that the Oil King requires a slightly lighter force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange is 57 grams, indicating a medium-light pressure required for full key activation. In contrast, the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. The weight preferences vary among users; some prefer a lighter actuation force for more extended typing sessions or gaming, while others prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier force. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Meteor Orange providing a lighter actuation force, and the Oil King offering a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both 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 experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. It is worth noting that both of these switches offer a satisfying travel distance, allowing for comfortable and precise keystrokes.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
The Meteor Orange switch is best known for its soft and seductive tactility, resulting in a gentle typing experience. In terms of sound, it has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile that resembles the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. It offers a deep and rich sound during key presses, akin to the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor Orange switch is mild and offers a more approachable typing experience. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing feel. Additionally, the switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction. The Oil King switch, on the other hand, offers a creamy and silky typing experience. It feels buttery and allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, offering a smooth and seamless typing sensation. Similar to the Meteor Orange, the Oil King switch is also described as polished, indicating its smooth and refined finish.
Overall, the subjective qualities of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange offers a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, while the Oil King provides buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches offer a refined and polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel with reduced friction. Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Meteor Orange being a great choice for those seeking a gentle and neutral typing experience, and the Oil King being a preferred option for those desiring a smooth and bass-rich typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a gentle and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches have a bottom-out force of 57 grams, making them medium-light and perfect for those who prefer a softer touch. Additionally, they offer a mild and polished feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel, suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance. They provide a creamy and silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, and their sound resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor Orange and Oil King switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel.
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