SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Silent Yellow offer two distinct typing experiences. The Meteor Orange is a tactile switch that is renowned for its gentle and seductive tactility, providing a soft typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch that lacks any specific standout feature. If you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile feedback and a polished feel, the Meteor Orange may be the ideal choice for you. 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
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
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon of the Meteor Orange offers a more classic look.
Both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer nature. This results in a similar dull and round sound for both switches. While the top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange are both made of nylon, the Silent Yellow features a mix of polycarbonate and nylon, with the bottom housing also being nylon. This split between housing materials may slightly affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow result in variations in sound profiles and aesthetics. The nylon housings of the Meteor Orange offer a classic typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's mix of polycarbonate and nylon provides a sharper and clearer sound. Additionally, the translucent polycarbonate of the Silent Yellow allows for RGB lighting effects, which may be preferred by users looking for a more visually dynamic keyboard setup. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the Silent Yellow's combination of materials may slightly alter the overall typing experience compared to the more uniform housing of the Meteor Orange.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow is the heavier of the two. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is none, making it extremely light, while the Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate, providing a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, whereas the Silent Yellow bottoms out at 80 grams, indicating a heavier touch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may opt for the Meteor Orange, while individuals seeking a more decisive keypress may lean towards the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, it can be noted that they provide a similar amount of travel for users to feel when typing or gaming. The tactile nature of the Meteor Orange switch offers a bump in feedback when activated, while the Silent Yellow switch provides a smooth linear feel. Despite their different characteristics, the travel distance remains the same, ensuring that users will experience a consistent typing experience with either switch.
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 Yellow 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 with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes from beginner to advanced users. It also produces a thocky sound, giving a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound profile is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is known for its gentle tactility, providing a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it features a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unknown.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience. Its polished finish adds to the smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has unknown sound and feel qualities. Unless future information becomes available, it is recommended to consider the Meteor Orange switch for a satisfying and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should opt for the Meteor Orange if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a soft and gentle tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. The Meteor Orange is also suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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