SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both tactile switches. The Meteor Orange is praised for its exquisitely gentle tactility, offering a soft and seductive typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between pronounced tactility and a mild, neutral sound signature. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, deciding on the best switch for you ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Meteor Orange and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon materials. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a more rounded sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the similar bottom housing of nylon ensures that typists will experience consistent sound profiles when using either switch. This shared housing material emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall sound and feel of a key press.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange and Purple Sakura switches vary in material composition, they each contribute unique characteristics to the typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing during a key press, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of the Meteor Orange with nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Purple Sakura with polycarbonate housing, typists can expect a distinct auditory and tactile experience with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Meteor Orange has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light resistance when fully pressed, whereas the Purple Sakura has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium resistance option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Meteor Orange for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the slightly heavier Purple Sakura. Ultimately, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch can help users determine which one best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Meteor Orange may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for either shorter or longer key travel. Ultimately, both switches will provide a tactile typing experience, but with slightly different key travel distances.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for various settings and users. The Meteor Orange switch has a thocky sound profile, promising a deep and satisfying sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch provides a mild and neutral sound signature, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being intrusive. The choice of board and keycaps will also impact the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. These qualities place it in a safe and approachable middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is noted for its buttery and snappy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with heightened responsiveness. The combination of these characteristics creates a seamless and effortless typing sensation for users.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the sound profiles may be similar in neutrality, the Meteor Orange switch leans towards a thocky sound, while the Purple Sakura switch prioritizes a buttery and snappy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches promise a delightful tactile feedback that can elevate the typing experience for beginners and advanced users alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, you should take into account the slight differences in bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force at 57 grams and a more neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force at 60 grams and enjoy a more buttery and snappy typing experience with a mild and neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what characteristics matter most to you when making your decision.
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