SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Meteor Orange is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, providing a soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a buttery smooth feel and a light 45g bottom-out ideal for light typists. While the Meteor Orange exudes a polished and thocky feel, the Purple Star presents an easy-to-press and low-pitched 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
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Looking at the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Purple Star, we can see some similarities between the two. Both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Meteor Orange using nylon for both top and bottom, while the Purple Star incorporates POM for both top and bottom housings. The use of nylon in the Meteor Orange results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM material in the Purple Star creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side.
However, where the two switches differ is in the specific qualities that each housing material brings to the overall typing experience. The Meteor Orange with its nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound profile when you release a key, while the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a relatively more muted sound upon key release. On the other hand, the bottom housing of each switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that while both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness, the specific characteristics of the nylon and POM materials will influence the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Purple Star offer a unique typing experience due to their choice of housing materials. The nylon and POM materials used in these switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the nylon creating a duller sound and the POM producing a more muted sound. While the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches add to their individual characteristics and make for an interesting comparison in terms of typing feel and sound.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch vary significantly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Purple Star with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Purple Star is 43 grams, while the actuation force for the Meteor Orange is unknown. This difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences among users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Star, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the slightly heavier Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, with lighter options being more suitable for extended use and heavier options providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple switch. The Orange switch with a 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key travel experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch with a 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter keypress feel, suitable for those looking for a faster and more responsive typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Orange being on the longer side and the Purple on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. This switch provides a satisfying thocky sound that is deep and rich, adding to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Meteor Orange. The sound of both switches may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Meteor Orange and Purple Star switches offer a gentle typing experience. The Meteor Orange switch is described as mild, providing a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable for most users. The switch is also polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Similarly, the Purple Star switch is also mild and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and comfortable feel.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Meteor Orange excels in providing a soft and seductive tactility along with a thocky sound profile, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press feel that is ideal for light typists. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and low-pitched sound, the Purple Star may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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