SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Sea Glass. The Meteor Orange switches are known for their exquisite gentleness, providing a soft and seductive tactility while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches stand out with their captivating pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience due to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them easy to press. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches unveils a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches offer different qualities and preferences to consider. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, particularly in their top housing. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. This blend provides a pleasant sound experience that differs from the Meteor Orange's deeper tone.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and the Sea Glass use nylon as their material. This choice of housing material allows for a similar sound profile in both switches, as nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relative softness of nylon compared to harder plastics also aids in absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when bottoming out on keys with both the Meteor Orange and the Sea Glass switches.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Sea Glass lies primarily in their top housings. While the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a slightly brighter tone. However, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar sound experience when pressing down on the keys. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for either a deeper or brighter sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find some notable differences. Firstly, the Meteor Orange's actuation force is unavailable, whereas the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Glass requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. Furthermore, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Sea Glass provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Meteor Orange.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that the Meteor Orange's forces are unknown, which may make it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Sea Glass. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass with its lower actuation force might be a suitable choice. Alternatively, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sea Glass could provide a satisfying typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a different feel, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Meteor Orange being slightly longer. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and user levels. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch are not explicitly mentioned. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself, but also by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Meteor Orange switch is described as mild and polished. As a mild switch, it provides a gentle typing experience without overly pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. This means that it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Its light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering the available information, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is best known for its soft and seductive tactility, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with a neutral sound profile. It provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct typing experience. While its sound signature is not explicitly mentioned, it offers a uniquely hollow sound. Its proprietary material blend gives it a dry, wisp, and airy feeling while maintaining smoothness. The Sea Glass switch also offers a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to its frictionless nature.
In summary, while the specifics of the sound profile for the Sea Glass switch are unavailable, it is clear that both the Meteor Orange and Sea Glass switches offer unique and attractive qualities. Their overall approachability and smoothness make them suitable for most users, and their distinct characteristics set them apart. Whether you prefer the gentle tactility and neutral sound of the Meteor Orange or the captivating pastel colors and frictionless nature of the Sea Glass, you can expect comparable results in terms of their described feel and ease of use.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with medium-light bottom-out force and a soft and seductive tactile experience, the Meteor Orange is a fantastic choice. Its neutral sound profile and polished finish provide a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with medium bottom-out force and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, then the Sea Glass is the way to go. Despite its weight, it offers a weightlessness that defies expectations and reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. The Sea Glass is frictionless, making it exceptionally smooth and effortless to type on. Additionally, its mild and feathery characteristics make it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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