SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Meteor Orange is well-known for its gentle and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown lacks specific standout features. The Meteor Orange is classified as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, while the Dustproof Brown does not have a clear classification. If you value a soft and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound, the Meteor Orange may be the way to go. Conversely, if you are looking for a tactile switch without any particular standout features, the Dustproof Brown could still be a reliable choice. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits 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
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
Polycarbonate
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
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that delivers a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding visual appeal to the overall design.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Meteor Orange and Dustproof Brown feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deep and full sound profile by absorbing more sound with their softer plastic composition. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Meteor Orange and Dustproof Brown housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. The Meteor Orange offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, providing a more muted and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, giving a clear and resonant typing experience that may be preferred by users looking for a more distinct sound profile. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, with the housing materials playing a key role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has no specific actuation force and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. The Meteor Orange is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Dustproof Brown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Dustproof Brown. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preference.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use. In terms of tactile feedback and typing feel, both switches may offer slightly different experiences due to other factors such as actuation force and bump placement, but when it comes to travel distance, they are on par with each other.
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 Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch's sound qualities are unknown. The Meteor Orange switch also offers a thocky sound, which many users find deep and satisfying. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is regarded as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, these switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is unspecified. Users can expect a comfortable typing experience with the Meteor Orange switch due to its gentle tactility and polished feel.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Meteor Orange switch is praised for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, thocky sound, and polished feel, the Dustproof Brown switch's characteristics remain unknown. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider the level of actuation force you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, the Meteor Orange with 57 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown with 65 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, if you appreciate a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange is a great option. However, if sound and feel are not major factors for you, the Dustproof Brown could still be a reliable choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style when making the decision between these two switches.
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