SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Silent Red. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisite gentleness and soft tactility, offering a typing experience that is both inviting and sensual. With a neutral sound profile, they provide a satisfying thocky sound without being overly distracting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a seamless typing experience without the noise, the Silent Reds would be the perfect choice. These switches deliver a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a muted sound profile that is ideal for office or shared living spaces. They also offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches have distinct differences that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also enhances the switch's clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Meteor Orange and Silent Red utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide similar qualities due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play separate roles in the overall sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing mainly impacts the sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Thus, the differences in the nylon and polycarbonate top housings between the Meteor Orange and Silent Red will significantly affect their sound profiles during key release. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing will produce a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unavailable, making it difficult to accurately compare it to the Silent Red switch. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange is 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Meteor Orange, and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter force allows for prolonged typing sessions without as much strain. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial and forceful keystroke may opt for the Meteor Orange switch with its medium-light actuation force. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more perceived typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch remains unknown, the comparison between their respective bottom out forces indicates that the Silent Red switch is lighter, while the Meteor Orange switch is heavier. Therefore, depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4.0 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Comparing the two, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Meteor Orange. 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, offering a deeper and more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. While both switches provide a tactile feel, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may feel more abrupt to some users, while the longer travel distance of the Meteor Orange offers a more hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. However, it is also described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes the Silent Red switch ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is desired. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as having a mild and polished feel. The mildness of the switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red switch is also described as having a mild and polished feel. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, referred to as "buttery," providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Meteor Orange switch, the Silent Red switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Taking all this information into account, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is best known for its soft and seductive tactility, along with its neutral sound profile and mild, polished feel. It provides a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch stands out for its smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With its muted sound profile and mild, polished feel, it is perfect for office or shared living spaces. While both switches offer a mild and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, they differ in sound characteristics. Therefore, depending on your specific preferences and requirements, you can choose between the Meteor Orange switch for a more tactile and satisfying sound or the Silent Red switch for a quieter typing experience. In both cases, you can expect similar levels of comfort and approachability in terms of feel, but with differing sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a soft and seductive tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these medium-light switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red switches are the perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these medium-heavy linear switches provide a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Additionally, they offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for tactility and sound, so consider your typing style and environment when making your choice.
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