SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Tom, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are highly praised for their gentle and soft tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. With categories like 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches are perfect for those who prefer a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switches are known for their reliability and consistency, though they may not have a standout feature. While the Tom switches may lack distinctive characteristics, they are a solid choice for a reliable and sturdy typing experience. 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
3.30 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 main difference between the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Tom switches lies in their top housing material. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tom switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. It is interesting to note that while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing yields a more clear and resonant sound, offering differing auditory experiences for users.
On the other hand, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Tom switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches are likely to feel comparable when bottoming out keys due to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing. This uniformity in bottom housing material may contribute to a uniformity in typing feel between the two switches, allowing users to experience a similar tactile feedback regardless of the top housing differences.
In terms of aesthetics, the switches also differ based on their top housing material. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Tom allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a more visually appealing option for those interested in customizable lighting. Meanwhile, the opaque nylon top housing of the SP-Star Meteor Orange focuses more on providing a specific typing experience based on the sound profile it creates. While both switches prioritize functionality and performance, the visual aspects of RGB lighting may make the Outemu Tom more attractive to users looking to personalize their keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while its actuation force is not stated. On the other hand, the Tom switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, with no information provided on its bottom out force. The Meteor Orange is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Tom switch, which could make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, without information on the actuation force of the Meteor Orange, it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4.0 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor Orange. A shorter travel distance is generally preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feeling of keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique feel, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Tom 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, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth key press. With a safe middle-ground feel, these switches are approachable to most users. While the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unspecified, it's important to note that a polished switch typically indicates a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, 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 both beginners and advanced users in various settings. While information on the Outemu Tom tactile switch is limited, based on the qualities we do know, the Meteor Orange switch may provide a similar tactile and audible experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to go for the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, then the Meteor Orange switch might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a concern for you and you are looking for a switch with a different feel and sound profile, then the Tom switch could be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type on your keyboard.
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