SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu 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 Ocean both fall under the tactile switch category. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Ocean switches do not have a specific standout feature in terms of characteristics. If you're looking for a switch with a polished feel and a thocky sound, the Meteor Orange may be the way to go. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Ocean both have their own unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own advantages, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange may be preferred for those looking for a softer and more rounded sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean may be better suited for those seeking a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Meteor Orange and the Ocean feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound due to their softer plastic composition. This consistency in material for the bottom housing means that both switches will likely provide a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and overall feel. While the top housing material may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, ensuring a consistent and satisfying sound with each keystroke.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Ocean will largely depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing offers a softer and more rounded sound, while the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent depth and fullness to the sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and clearer sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting weight options for users. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating a medium-light touch, while its actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly lighter than the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange. The Ocean's bottom out force, however, is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches allows users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Some may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Ocean for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the Meteor Orange's bottom out force for a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile sensation and feedback during use due to their equal travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Ocean, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and typing 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 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 its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a gentle and mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel, making it a versatile option for various users and preferences. While the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a satisfying typing experience, the lack of information on the Outemu Ocean switch makes it difficult to directly compare the two. Ultimately, if you enjoy the qualities of the Meteor Orange switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Meteor Orange if you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force switch with gentle tactility, a neutral sound profile, and a mild and polished feel. This switch is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, choose the Ocean if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are fine with an unknown sound and feel profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience.
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