SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Phalaenopsis 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 KTT Phalaenopsis, both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisite gentleness, offering a soft and seductive tactility that enhances typing comfort. With a neutral sound profile, these switches provide a serene and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches boast a beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The 50g tactile force ensures a satisfying and discernible tactile bump with each keystroke, transforming typing into a delightful experience. While these generalities give insight into the appeal of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic attributes. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis employs a polycarbonate top housing, yielding a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in typing sounds, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting capabilities.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches also diverge in material composition. The Meteor Orange features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing the switch's sharper and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate lends to a more resonant bottom-out sound, making it ideal for those seeking a clearer typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Meteor Orange and the Phalaenopsis, it is important to note that each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the respective switches. When the switch is pressed, the characteristics of the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will be most noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the properties of the top housing, nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer their own advantages and can provide satisfying typing experiences, depending on personal preferences and desired sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, while the Phalaenopsis requires 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Phalaenopsis is lighter in terms of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, while the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams. Thus, the Meteor Orange is heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals would prefer a lighter switch like the Phalaenopsis as it allows for extended periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience would opt for a heavier switch like the Meteor Orange. However, it should be noted that since the actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, it is difficult to determine the exact comparison between the two switches in terms of actuation. Nonetheless, based on their bottom out force, it can be concluded that the Phalaenopsis is lighter overall while the Meteor Orange is relatively heavier.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 best known for its gentle and soft tactility, providing a pleasant typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound when pressed and released. This switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users and can be used in various settings, whether at home or work. The Meteor Orange switch also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch stands out for its effortless typing experience with a light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. It has a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring a delightful keystroke experience. The Phalaenopsis switch produces a bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range, providing a deep and rich sound profile. Similar to the Meteor Orange, it also produces a thocky sound, which is a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches have their unique qualities, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences. The Meteor Orange switch provides a gentle and soft tactility with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most users and environments. Its polished finish ensures smooth and sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch offers effortless typing with a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile bump. It produces a rich and deep sound, adding to the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel, either switch can provide similar results in terms of satisfaction during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. Their soft and seductive tactility, combined with a neutral sound profile, make them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you are using them at home or work. Additionally, the polished finish of the Meteor Orange switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a deeper, bassy sound profile, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged typing sessions. The discernible tactile bump of 50g ensures that each keystroke is a delightful experience. The Phalaenopsis switches also offer a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a softer and more neutral typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, go for the Meteor Orange. However, if you prefer a light touch with a deeper, bassy sound and a mild stepped feel, the Phalaenopsis would be the ideal option for you. Consider your typing preferences and sound preferences to make an informed decision. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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