SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer two distinct experiences. The meteor orange is praised for its exquisite gentleness, featuring soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, polished, this tactile switch is ideal for those who enjoy a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the dustproof silent ocean is a linear switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. Classified as [], this switch may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward and consistent typing feel. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, where they differ is in their top housing material. The Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches have a similar bottom housing material, the choice of top housing material significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing results in a softer and more absorbent sound profile, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. This demonstrates how the material composition of the housing can greatly influence the overall typing experience. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate becomes evident in switches with clear housings, adding a visual element to the performance of the switch.
In conclusion, despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of top housing material sets the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange creates a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean delivers a crisper sound. This highlights how the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in dictating the overall performance and characteristics of mechanical switches.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires almost no force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a noticeable push feel. When it comes to bottoming out, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams of force, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean needs 65 grams. The Meteor Orange is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a heavier typing experience, preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches offer different weights to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a shorter travel distance for faster response times, which is preferred by many gamers. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance. If you want a switch with a shorter travel distance for quick responses, the Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more depth, the SP-Star Meteor Orange would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique perspectives on travel distance and it will depend on your personal preferences on which one to choose.
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 Silent Ocean 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 a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most situations. The switch produces a moderate sound that is not too loud or too quiet, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches have a soft and seductive tactility that most users find approachable and comfortable. Additionally, the switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, so it's hard to make a direct comparison.
Overall, while the sound profile of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known to be neutral and the feel is described as mild and polished, the information on the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is limited. If you enjoy a gentle and approachable typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be a good option. However, if you are looking for a silent linear switch with dustproof features, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may still be worth considering despite the lack of specific details available. Ultimately, trying out both switches to see which one suits your preferences best would be the most reliable way to determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, then the Meteor Orange switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a linear switch without any additional features, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more suited to your preferences. Consider how you type and what sound and feel you prefer when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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