SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Purple. The Meteor Orange switch is highly praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile feedback without any specific standout features. While the Meteor Orange offers a more polished typing feel, the Purple switch can provide a reliable 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
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Purple switches showcase different characteristics that affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The polycarbonate housing allows for clearer sound and is particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and Purple switches use nylon material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similarly to the nylon top housing. This consistency in material choice between the top and bottom housings of the switches ensures a cohesive sound experience when typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound profile for both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, significantly influences the sound profile of a switch. While the nylon housing in both the Meteor Orange and Purple switches creates a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate housing in the Purple switch gives a sharper and clearer sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. However, the Meteor Orange has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, while the bottom out force of the Purple is unknown. This means that the Meteor Orange provides a lighter initial key press but requires more force to fully press the key, while the Purple requires more force from the start but lacks information on the force needed to bottom out. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter key press for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Meteor Orange, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key feel and feedback when typing or gaming with either of these switches. Overall, both the Meteor Orange and Purple switches offer a comfortable amount of travel distance for users who prefer a tactile 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 Purple 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
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have specific descriptions available for sound or feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, if you were to compare the two switches, you could expect a similar gentle tactility from both, with the Meteor Orange having a slight edge in terms of a polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a gentle and neutral typing experience with a soft and seductive tactility, then the Meteor Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an undefined sound profile and potentially lower actuation force, the Purple switch may be more suitable for your needs. Remember to take into account your own preferences and requirements when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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