SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Kailh Sage are two popular options with unique characteristics. On one hand, the meteor orange is best known for its exquisitely gentle nature, offering a soft and seductive tactile experience while maintaining a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', and 'polished', this switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the sage switches offer a distinct clicky feel that is invigorating and refreshing. With a heavier weight and a sharp clickiness, they fall under the 'invigorating', 'sharp', and 'crunchy' category. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Kailh Sage switches differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles and aesthetics. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, as polycarbonate is translucent, it is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Meteor Orange and the Sage switches employ nylon as their material. This choice is influenced by nylon's ability to produce deeper and fuller sound profiles. The relatively softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounded sound. Thus, in terms of sound, the bottom housings of both switches offer similar qualities.
When comparing the housing materials of the top and bottom, it is important to consider their distinct impacts. The bottom housing greatly influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, whereas the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. With this in mind, choosing the Meteor Orange with its nylon top housing would result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Sage with its polycarbonate top housing would offer a brighter and crisper sound. However, both switches would still provide similar results in their bottom-out sound and feel due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, indicating that the specific force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. However, the bottom out force provides some insight into the force required to press the keys fully. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. In contrast, the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
The difference in bottom out force between the two switches suggests that the Sage requires more pressure to fully press the keys compared to the Meteor Orange. This increased force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Meteor Orange may be preferable for individuals who value a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor.
While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is worth noting that if the actuation force happens to be the same for these switches, the result would be similar. This means that both switches would require equal force to trigger a keystroke, and the main difference lies in the bottom out force. Overall, the Meteor Orange can be considered the lighter option with a medium-light bottom out force, and the Sage is the heavier option with a medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance than the Sage.
In terms of ergonomics, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered to be more traditional, offering a balanced and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Sage is slightly shallower, which may appeal to gamers who value faster response times. By reducing the travel distance, key presses can be registered more quickly, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
However, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the optimal travel distance for each person. Some users may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth, while others may appreciate the responsiveness and efficiency it provides. In this case, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance, the Meteor Orange, may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience.
Ultimately, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique travel distances, providing users with options based on their personal preferences and requirements.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is best known for its exquisitely gentle and soft tactility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. The sound profile of the Meteor Orange is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. This switch produces a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released, giving it a deep and rich quality. When it comes to feel, the Meteor Orange offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct and invigorating typing experience. It has a heavy weight and provides a refreshingly sharp clickiness, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. The sound profile of the Sage switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Although the exact sound and feel of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions give a good idea of the general characteristics of the switches.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Kailh Sage switches offer different subjective qualities. The Meteor Orange switch provides a gentle and soft tactility, with a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a distinct and heavy clicky experience, with a crunchy sound profile and an invigorating and sharp feel. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences. Although the specific characteristics may vary, those seeking a gentle and soft typing experience can expect similar results with Meteor Orange switches, while those looking for a heavy and clicky experience can expect similar results with Kailh Sage switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a gentle and soft tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches offer a medium-light touch that is approachable and suitable for most users. Their mild feel and polished finish provide a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Meteor Orange switches are perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and subtle feedback when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier touch, the Kailh Sage switches are a great option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that is invigorating and snappy. The Sage switches have a refreshingly sharp clickiness and provide a pronounced tactile bump with each keypress. If you enjoy the immersive sensation of a high feedback intensity and prefer a firm actuation force, the Sage switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches and the Kailh Sage clicky switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider the desired level of tactile feedback, sound profile, and keypress weight that suits your typing style. Whether you prioritize a gentle and neutral experience or a clicky and invigorating feel, both switches provide unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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