SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Brown, both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange is praised for its exquisitely gentle feel, soft and seductive tactility, and neutral sound profile. It is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback without any additional sound profile information provided. If you prefer a softer touch and a quieter typing experience, the Meteor Orange may be the right choice for you. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The contrast in housing materials leads to a switch that combines the best of both worlds in terms of sound profiles.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Meteor Orange and the Brown switches offer a unique typing experience. The Meteor Orange's nylon top and bottom housing work together to create a cohesive sound profile that is deep and full. In contrast, the Brown switch's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a blend of sharpness and depth in its sound profile. While the top and bottom housing materials may vary between the two switches, they both aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their unique sound signatures.
In summary, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Meteor Orange offers a uniform nylon housing for a consistent deep and full sound, while the Outemu Brown combines polycarbonate and nylon for a mix of sharpness and depth in its sound profile. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, with the Meteor Orange providing a duller and rounder sound and the Outemu Brown offering a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer one sound profile over the other will dictate which switch is the better choice for your typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, we see that the Meteor Orange has no specified actuation force, making it a mystery in terms of lightness or heaviness, while the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, whereas the Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Meteor Orange is lighter in terms of bottoming out compared to the Brown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Meteor Orange may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Brown may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, it can be said that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that regardless of whether you choose the SP-Star Meteor Orange or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you can expect to feel the same key travel distance when typing. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistency in typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Brown tactile switch may come down to other factors such as actuation force, actuation point, or overall typing feel.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its gentle and soft tactility, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This switch produces a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various purposes whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is not specified, but it can be assumed to be similar to that of the Meteor Orange, given its tactile nature. When it comes to feel, the Meteor Orange offers a mild typing experience and polished key travel, making it comfortable for prolonged use. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Brown switch is not described, but it is likely to provide a similar level of comfort and ease of typing. Overall, both switches are ideal choices for users seeking a tactile typing experience with gentle tactility and neutral sound profiles, making them versatile options for a variety of typing tasks.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentle and refined typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without any specific sound profile attributes, then the Outemu Brown switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it is important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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