SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is important to consider their key characteristics. The Meteor Orange switch is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, leaving it open to interpretation. The Meteor Orange is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, while the Lotus does not have any defined categories. Although these general pointers can give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, diving deeper into their specifics will ultimately help you make the best decision based on your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material used in these switches is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience compared to switches made with harder plastics.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housings, the design and construction of the Meteor Orange and Lotus switches may differ slightly, affecting the overall feel and sound of the switches. The subtle variations in design could influence the typing experience, making one switch slightly quieter or more responsive than the other. However, the core qualities of the nylon material will still be present in both switches, offering users a familiar typing experience with a deep and muffled sound profile.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches may still provide a slightly different typing experience due to other factors such as spring weight, keycap compatibility, and overall construction. Users may find that one switch offers a more satisfying sound or tactile feel depending on their personal preferences. However, the use of nylon in both switches ensures that typists can expect a quieter and more muted typing experience overall, making them both solid choices for those seeking a more subdued sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter of the two switches. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lotus, which has an actuation force of 35 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, while the Lotus only requires 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lotus switch, as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may choose the Meteor Orange for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lotus switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor Orange switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch with a longer travel distance may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound profile is unknown. When considering sound, it's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch, users often praise its gentle tactility and overall mild typing experience. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch.
Taking into account the subjective qualities mentioned above, users can expect a gentle and subtle typing experience with the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch due to its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's qualities remain unknown. To achieve similar results in terms of feel and sound, one could consider factors such as board construction, keycap selection, and personal preference when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Meteor Orange if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a gentle and soft tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. These switches are suitable for a wide range of uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, choose the Lotus if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and refined typing experience. The Lotus switches do not have a specific sound profile mentioned, so if you prefer a quieter typing experience, these may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors when selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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