SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Meteor Orange switches are admired for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those looking for a soft and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White switches offer a silent operation without any distinctive characteristics noted. While the Meteor Orange is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Silent White does not have any specific categorization. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits; 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
60g
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
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silent White, it is clear that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Silent White stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both the Meteor Orange and the Silent White share nylon in their bottom housings, the key point of differentiation lies in their top housing materials. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing. This consistency in housing material throughout the switch contributes to a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a contrasting sound profile with its sharpness and clarity. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a varied typing experience, with each part of the switch contributing to the overall sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Meteor Orange and the Silent White will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The nylon housing in both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the use of polycarbonate in the Silent White's top housing provides a crisper and sharper sound. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound profile of nylon or a clearer and more resonant sound profile of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these housing materials will depend on individual typing preferences and desired sound profiles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch vary in terms of weight. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In comparison, the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium range. The Silent White requires a slightly lighter initial push compared to the Meteor Orange, but both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent White for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Meteor Orange for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press and a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent White provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Meteor Orange offering a longer travel distance for a more deliberate key press, and the Silent White providing a shorter travel distance for a faster 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 Silent White 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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of noise level and sound quality. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is known for its mild and polished typing experience. The gentle tactility of these switches provides a comfortable and smooth typing feel, while the polished finish adds to the overall refinement of the keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have specified feel characteristics mentioned, making it challenging to directly compare to the tactile and polished qualities of the Meteor Orange switch. However, it is important to note that the typing experience is also influenced by personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Silent White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor Orange switch is praised for its soft tactility and neutral sound profile, the Silent White switch lacks specific descriptions in these areas. As a newcomer, you can expect to have a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of sound intensity, but the feel may vary significantly due to the unique characteristics of each switch. Ultimately, the best choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a gentle and seductive tactile experience with a soft sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force and a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Silent White switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that suits your typing style best.
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