SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch. The Meteor Orange switches are highly regarded for their exquisitely gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making them a comfortable and smooth choice for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switches are known for their satisfying clicky sound, providing users with auditory feedback with each key press. While the Meteor Orange offers a more subdued typing experience, the Milk Blue delivers a more audible and tactile response. 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
N/A
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
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, the housing material of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Milk Blue switches present a clear contrast in terms of sound profiles. The Meteor Orange's nylon housing materials create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate housing materials produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant tone. Aesthetic-wise, the polycarbonate material of the Milk Blue allows for a translucent finish, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
While the top housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Milk Blue switches differ in nylon and polycarbonate respectively, their bottom housing materials remain consistent in nylon. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic composition of nylon, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that both switches elicit a similar duller and rounder sound profile when typing. However, the top housing of the Milk Blue switch, being polycarbonate, introduces a crisper and higher-pitched element to the overall sound profile, distinguishing it from the Meteor Orange switch.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches like the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Milk Blue plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. The softer nylon composition of the Meteor Orange results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate material of the Milk Blue creates a sharper and crisper tone. Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings for a consistent typing experience, the top housing material variation between the two switches contributes significantly to their distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the desired sound and feel for the user, with nylon offering a more rounded sound and polycarbonate providing a more precise and resonant tone.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Meteor Orange requires None grams of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Milk Blue, which requires 50 grams. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel, while the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unknown. This makes the Meteor Orange lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Milk Blue clicky switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. This similarity in travel distance ensures that typing on keyboards using either switch will provide a familiar and consistent tactile experience.
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 Milk 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses without being overly loud or distracting. Additionally, it provides a thocky sound when pressed, giving a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is not available. However, it is worth noting that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. It also boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch.
Taking all available information into consideration, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch appears to be a solid choice for those seeking a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile and a polished finish for smooth key travel. While details about the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are lacking, based on the qualities of the Meteor Orange switch, it can be inferred that the Milk Blue clicky switch may also provide a satisfying typing experience with a distinct clicky sound. Ultimately, the right choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you'll want to consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a gentle and neutral typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Meteor Orange switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a satisfying sound profile and potentially lower bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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