SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White are both popular choices for their tactile feedback. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisite gentleness, boasting a soft and seductive tactility and a neutral sound profile. They fall under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish Whites offer a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience with their medium tactile feel. What sets them apart is their focus on quietness, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', they manage to strike a balance between tactility and noise reduction. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 TTC Silent Bluish White switches differ in their top housing materials. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Bluish White produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for effective illumination.
The bottom housing materials of both switches, however, are identical, being made of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects of the nylon top housing. With its relatively softer plastic composition, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, users of both the Meteor Orange and Silent Bluish White switches can expect a consistent experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch each play a different role in sound production. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Meteor Orange and Silent Bluish White share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing, the distinction lies in their respective top housing materials, which shape the overall sound profile and user experience when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of their weights. The Meteor Orange switch has an unavailable gram actuation force, while the Silent Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch weighs 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, whereas the Silent Bluish White switch weighs 50 grams, which is considered light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the favorable choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter than the Meteor Orange switch. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch. Its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, which can be desirable for those who enjoy a greater tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, with the Silent Bluish White switch being the lighter option. This difference in weight caters to the preferences of individuals who prioritize extended typing duration or prefer a stronger push feel. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's personal preference and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference between the two is minimal, with the Meteor Orange having a slightly longer travel distance. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a standard depth that many people are accustomed to. On the other hand, a 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which may be preferred by gamers who desire faster response times. It is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular in recent times. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience, the switch with the longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the variation in travel distance provides users with the opportunity to choose based on their individual preferences.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It produces a satisfying thocky sound when pressed, giving a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is designed to be as quiet as possible. It has a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it ideal for use in office or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is important. However, the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle tactility, it provides a safe and approachable feel for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, allowing for effortless and uniform typing. This switch also has a stepped characteristic, which means it provides a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience with their gentle resistance and polished finish.
Considering the available information, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and TTC Silent Bluish White switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch offers a more tactile and thocky sound profile, while the Silent Bluish White switch provides a muted and quieter sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience with a smooth and polished finish. The Silent Bluish White switch has the additional feature of being buttery and stepped, providing a seamless and stepped typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences and the intended usage, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired sound and feel experience during typing.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a gentle and soft tactile feedback, as well as a moderately quiet sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, offering a comfortable typing experience. Moreover, the Meteor Orange switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both home and office use. Additionally, these switches provide a mild and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a precise typing experience, while still maintaining a quiet atmosphere in shared spaces, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the better option. These switches have a medium tactile feel and are designed to be as quiet as possible, perfect for office or shared living space use. With a buttery and mild typing experience, these switches offer a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor Orange and Silent Bluish White switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and the desired typing experience.
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