SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Meteor Orange is praised for its soft and gentle tactility, along with a neutral sound profile, making it a pleasant and refined choice for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out for its resonant and deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback that provides a sharp and satisfying feel during use. While the Meteor Orange is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Olive falls into the categories of 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy'. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Bsun Olive switches have distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing produces a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This highlights a key contrast in sound characteristics between the two housing materials.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Meteor Orange and Olive switches exhibit differences in sound profiles. The Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its nylon top housing, while the Olive's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is also on the deeper side and more muted. This distinction showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound profile of a switch, contributing to a varied typing experience for users of each switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Meteor Orange and Olive switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While both switches utilize classic materials like nylon and POM, the absorption and sound properties of each material contribute to unique typing experiences. In using either switch, typists can expect a pleasing sound profile, but the specific qualities of each housing material will determine the depth, fullness, and muted characteristics of the sound produced, ultimately influencing the overall feel and sound of typing on these switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Meteor Orange requires no specific actuation force, whereas the Olive requires 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange is lighter at 57 grams compared to the Olive at 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. These differences in force can impact typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bsun Olive switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor Orange switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Meteor Orange is more traditional, offering a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Bsun Olive may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound, thanks to its POM housing and unique design. The Olive switch provides a distinct auditory experience with a crisp bottom-out that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be enhanced or adjusted based on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle keypress and smooth key travel. The Olive switch, on the other hand, delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a medium actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The Olive switch falls into the category of accented switches, providing a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a gentler typing experience or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral and polished typing experience, while the Olive switch offers a deep and invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to customize your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer satisfying qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a soft, seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange is the way to go. However, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback for a distinctly satisfying typing experience, then the Bsun Olive switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the typing experience that best suits your needs and preferences.
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