SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Oreo. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisite gentleness, providing a soft and seductive tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo switches offer a delectable treat for your fingertips, with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. These switches strike a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience with their medium light tactility. While typing on the Oreos, you'll notice a subtle and mellow sound profile. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Oreo switches differ, with the Meteor Orange featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. These differences in material result in variations in sound profiles and aesthetics. The nylon housing of the Meteor Orange creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound experience. Furthermore, due to its translucency, the polycarbonate housing of the Oreo is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting.
Additionally, the differences in housing materials extend to the bottom housing of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound and enhances the typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Oreo provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound output. Its stiffer nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing complements the overall aesthetics of the Oreo switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
It is important to note that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the two parts. Pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Though the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange and the Oreo differ, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in each switch still contributes to their respective sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can observe a few differences. Firstly, the actuation force for the Meteor Orange switch is unavailable, while the Oreo switch requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Oreo switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Meteor Orange. However, in terms of bottom out force, both switches are quite similar. The Meteor Orange requires 57 grams of force to fully press down, while the Oreo switch requires 55 grams. This makes them both fall into the medium-light category for bottom out force.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Oreo switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and satisfying push feel might opt for the Meteor Orange switch. Although the exact actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unknown, it is likely to be heavier than the Oreo switch. This would provide a stronger tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force.
In summary, while the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is unavailable, its bottom out force is heavier at 57 grams compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch's 55 grams. The Oreo switch, however, has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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 is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound when pressed and released. It does not have any distinct acoustic characteristics like a deep "thock" or a soft "knock". On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as chirpy, which means it has a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak. This sets it apart from other switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel without any overwhelming characteristics. Additionally, it is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented, which means it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is not as pronounced as a hypertactile switch but still provides a satisfying tactile bump. Additionally, it is classified as a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of feeling during the keystroke. This gives it a more mild tactility compared to switches with a continuous bump.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Everglide Oreo tactile switches have different subjective qualities. The Meteor Orange offers a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. It provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish for a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It has a subtle, mellow sound profile with a unique chirpy characteristic. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, both switches can deliver satisfying results. Keep in mind that the overall experience may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Meteor Orange switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, with a subtle, mellow sound profile, then the Oreo switch would be a great choice. Additionally, if you appreciate a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Meteor Orange switch fits the bill. However, if you prefer a switch with an accented tactile feel and a stepped keystroke sensation, the Oreo switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer medium-light bottom out force and provide a satisfying typing experience, so it's a matter of personal taste. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what qualities and characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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