SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for a tactile typing experience are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower). The Meteor Orange switches are well-known for their exquisite gentleness, offering a soft and seductive tactility along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switches are renowned for those seeking maximum tactility, providing a punchy switch with sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack while typing. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, making them great choices for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes a POM top housing that produces a more muted, yet pleasing and unique sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side.
Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Meteor Orange adopts a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Meanwhile, the POM T1 (Sunflower) incorporates a POM bottom housing, which further enhances the deep and muted sound characteristics of the switch. The POM material helps create an incredibly pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end.
However, despite these differences, both switches share similarities in terms of the impact of their housing materials. When a switch utilizes different top and bottom housings, each material brings its own qualities to the table. Pressing down on the switch primarily allows you to experience the characteristics of the bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound that is produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the specific materials may differ between the Meteor Orange and the POM T1 (Sunflower), the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch's sound profile can yield similar results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch would be more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who spend extended periods at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Though the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, it can be assumed that they may yield similar results due to their comparable bottom out forces. However, without specific actuation force measurements, it is challenging to make a definitive comparison in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke between the two switches.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is heavier. The ultimate choice between the two would depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the same as the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, both measuring 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar keypress experience in terms of the distance they travel 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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings such as home or work. The sound produced can be described as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released, resulting in a satisfying and rich thocky sound. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a clean and sharp sound profile with a higher-pitched tone. It provides an immersive auditory experience and a crisp clack sound when typing. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for different needs. However, the specific sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. This means that the tactile bump is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The switch can be described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is snappy and responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which make typing feel more alive. The invigorating nature of the switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel, creating an immersive and dynamic typing sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, while the POM T1 switch offers a sharp tactility and a clean, resonant sound profile. The Meteor Orange switch delivers a mild and polished feel, geared towards a gentle typing experience, while the POM T1 switch provides a sharp and accented feel that is both snappy and invigorating. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the desired typing experience. However, based on the information provided, it is clear that both switches can offer satisfying results for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a soft and seductive tactility, as well as a neutral or thocky sound profile, then the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with maximum tactility, a sharp tactile bump, and a satisfying clean clack sound profile, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the one for you. These switches provide a strong and crisp tactile feedback, giving you an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity, typing experience, and sound profile.
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