SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Meteor Orange is a tactile switch beloved for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. With descriptors like 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', it provides a smooth typing experience that is both pleasing and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the Cream Blue is a clicky switch, although not much is known about its specific characteristics. If you prefer a satisfying click with each keystroke, this switch may be more up your alley. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Cream Blue feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deep and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This similarity in housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile.
While the housing materials of the Meteor Orange and Cream Blue switches are the same, the difference in their overall performance may lie in other factors such as spring weight, stem design, or lubrication. These factors can influence the feel and sound of the switch, regardless of the housing material used. However, the use of nylon for both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound aesthetics. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with a deep and fuller sound profile attributed to the nylon housings.
In conclusion, the use of nylon top and bottom housings in the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Cream Blue switches highlights a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While other factors may contribute to the overall typing experience with these switches, the consistent use of nylon housings ensures a similar sound profile that typists can appreciate. Whether using the Meteor Orange or Cream Blue, users can expect a tactile and acoustically pleasing typing experience with these switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue is the heavier option with a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is the lighter option with no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Cream Blue will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Meteor Orange will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces. If one prefers a lighter typing experience, the Meteor Orange would be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier touch may prefer the Cream Blue for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you'll experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile response and a clicky sound, but the key difference lies in their tactile and clicky characteristics. The Meteor Orange is known for its smooth, tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback, while the Cream Blue offers a sharper tactile bump with a louder click sound. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they offer slightly different typing experiences due to their unique tactile feedback and sound profiles.
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 Cream Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying sound experience, with the Meteor Orange offering a thocky sound and the Cream Blue being a clicky switch.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is not provided. However, as clicky switches are known for their tactile feedback and audible click, the Cream Blue is likely to offer a more pronounced typing experience compared to the Meteor Orange.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have been detailed in terms of sound and feel, information about the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is limited in this comparison. Based on the available information, users can expect the Meteor Orange to provide a neutral sound profile with a thocky feel, while the Cream Blue is likely to offer a clicky typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a switch with a rich and satisfying sound when pressed, the Cream Blue may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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