SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisitely gentle nature, providing a soft and seductive tactility that many users adore. Additionally, these switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT showcase the beauty of linear switches. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience that is hard to resist. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are favored by those who enjoy a smooth keystroke without compromising on the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better lighting effects.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This common material brings similar benefits to both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, enhancing the switch's overall sound experience by creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of usage, the different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches play distinct roles. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the top housing material, on the other hand, is more noticeable when letting go of a key. Therefore, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the respective top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange and Sea Salt Lemon switches ensures a unique sound experience throughout the entire keystroke.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate used respectively. These materials result in contrasting sound profiles, with the nylon housing in the Meteor Orange providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing in the Sea Salt Lemon offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound experience upon typing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on the key press and release helps users choose the desired sound profile for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange measures 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Sea Salt Lemon measures 53 grams, also in the medium-light range.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly affect typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Lemon with its lower actuation force may be the ideal choice. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Meteor Orange or other switches with heavier forces. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly with the Sea Salt Lemon.
In conclusion, while the Sea Salt Lemon is known to have a lighter actuation force compared to the Meteor Orange, both switches fall within the medium-light range for bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can expect similar results with these two switches, albeit with slight variations in actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience an identical distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results to the user.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound when pressed. It can be likened to a soft "knock" or deep "thud" sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a serene typing experience. Both switches fall within the moderate sound category, making them suitable for various applications, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you intend to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by the switches may also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Meteor Orange and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable tactility compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The SP-Star Meteor Orange switches have a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches maintain a similar mild typing experience without specific details regarding their finish or lubing process. Nonetheless, both switches deliver a comfortable feel that suits most users' preferences.
Considering all the available information, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer desirable qualities. In terms of sound, the Meteor Orange switches have a neutral profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon switches produce a low-pitched tone. When it comes to feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience, with the Meteor Orange switches being described as polished for a smoother feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires. Both options are notable for their subjective qualities, ensuring that users will obtain a similar level of satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a soft and seductive tactility, alongside a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is an excellent choice. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work. They offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is an ideal option. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches also fall into the medium-light category. They produce a low-pitched sound, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Like the Meteor Orange, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile or linear switch, as well as the specific qualities such as sound and feel that resonate with you. Both switches are versatile and suitable for various typing preferences. So, consider your personal preferences and needs to make an informed decision.
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