SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. These switches are both tactile switches, offering a satisfying feel while typing. The Meteor Orange is best known for its gentle and soft tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out with a big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Mild', ensuring a comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is ideal for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in terms of their housing materials. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Meteor Orange and the Polaris Purple also differ. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Similar to the nylon top housing, the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a dull and round sound when typing on switches. In contrast, the Polaris Purple employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Moreover, the polycarbonate bottom housing complements the translucent top housing, making it ideal for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting.
Although the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ, both switches offer unique qualities based on their respective top and bottom housings. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing would contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing would give a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange would create a duller and rounder sound when releasing a key, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple would produce a clearer and more resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles depending on the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, one key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, it is worth noting that both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Meteor Orange measuring at a medium-light 57 grams, and the Polaris Purple being slightly heavier at 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial for different users' preferences. Some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming periods. On the other hand, others may desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience, opting for switches with heavier forces.
While we do not have the specific actuation forces for the Meteor Orange and Polaris Purple switches, it is safe to assume that they would likely provide similar results, particularly in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Polaris Purple switch would provide a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial push feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Whether using the Meteor Orange or the Polaris Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed and released. It is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is also described as having a "thocky" sound, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch also has a neutral sound profile, similar to the Meteor Orange switch. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed and released. Like the Meteor Orange, the Polaris Purple switch is suitable for most purposes. However, there is no additional information available about the specific sound characteristics of the Polaris Purple switch.
Moving on to the feeling of the switches, the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It is considered to be approachable for most users as its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Polaris Purple switch also offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls within the same safe middle-ground zone as the Meteor Orange switch, making it suitable for most users. Similar to the Meteor Orange switch, the Polaris Purple switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that provides reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild and gentle typing experience. They share similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable for most users. The main difference lies in their specific sound profiles, with the Meteor Orange switch having a "thocky" sound. Overall, if you choose either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a soft and seductive tactility and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be an excellent choice. These switches are gentle and offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. They also have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide an exhilarating tactile typing experience and have a neutral sound profile. Like the Meteor Orange switches, the Polaris Purple switches also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for force, tactility, and sound.
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