SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Quinn, both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their meticulously silky tactility and their neutral sound profile. With a gentle and smooth feel, these switches provide a pleasant typing experience, making them perfect for users who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique blend of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, attributed to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are treated to a rich and immersive sound that adds a dash of character to their typing experience. Expect a precise and clean tactile bump that is sure to enhance your typing precision. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Quinn both use nylon as their housing material, resulting in similar characteristics for both switches. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This property contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience for both switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on these switches.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, the qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, in particular, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, if the top and bottom housings are different, users may experience slight variations in sound and feel when using the Meteor Orange and Quinn switches.
Overall, the Nylon housing material used in both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Quinn switches offers similar characteristics such as a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. However, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, as variations between these housings may lead to slight differences in sound and feel.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unknown, while the Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Quinn switch requires a slightly heavier force to register a keystroke compared to the Meteor Orange. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Meteor Orange requiring 57 grams and the Quinn requiring 67 grams. This makes the Meteor Orange a medium-light switch in terms of bottom out force, while the Quinn falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Meteor Orange switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it particularly suitable for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and prominent push feel when typing may find the heavier actuation force of the Quinn switch more satisfying. This heavier force provides a tactile feedback, giving a more pronounced typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unknown, the bottom out force of both switches is provided. The Meteor Orange is lighter with a medium-light 57-gram bottom out force, while the Quinn is heavier with a medium-heavy 67-gram bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the heavier force of the Quinn providing a more substantial push feel compared to the possible lighter actuation force of the Meteor Orange.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn. Both switches fall within the traditional travel distance range, with the Meteor Orange being closer to the standard 4.0 mm and the Quinn being slightly shallower at 3.4 mm. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Quinn may be more desirable. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress, the longer travel distance of the Meteor Orange may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, they offer distinct characteristics. The Meteor Orange switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound with a satisfying thocky quality. This switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, resembling a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." On the other hand, the Quinn switch has a deep, resonant sound profile. It offers a bassy sound with a clean and sharp tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Meteor Orange switch being more neutral and thocky, while the Quinn switch has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound. If you prefer a softer, more gentle sound, the Meteor Orange switch would be a suitable choice, while the Quinn switch provides a deeper and more immersive sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Meteor Orange switch can be described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle and approachable typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. The switch is designed to provide smooth key travel due to the refined finish, resulting in reduced friction. Additionally, it may come factory-lubed for an even smoother experience. The Quinn switch, on the other hand, is snappy and polished. It offers a super responsive typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. Similar to the Meteor Orange switch, the Quinn switch also has a polished finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. Furthermore, the Quinn switch offers an accented and bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation and lively keystrokes. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of feel, with the Meteor Orange switch being mild and polished, while the Quinn switch is snappy, polished, accented, bouncy, buttery, and creamy. Depending on your preference for a softer and more refined feel or a snappy and bouncy typing experience, either switch can provide the desired sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and Gateron Quinn tactile switch have their distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch offers a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Quinn switch provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a snappy and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you desire a gentler and more neutral experience, the Meteor Orange switch will suit you, while the Quinn switch offers a more vibrant and immersive feel. Whichever switch you choose, both will provide satisfying results based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams and offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. With a mild and polished feel, the Meteor Orange switches provide a refined and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more crisp and light switch-like tactility with a touch of character added to your typing experience, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump. The Quinn switches offer a deep and resonant sound profile thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, providing a rich and immersive typing experience. The Quinn switches are snappy, polished, bouncy, and accented, giving you a lively feel and a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on your preferences for typing experience. Whether you prioritize a gentle and soft feel or a crisp and light switch-like tactility, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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