SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Meteor Orange is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts lightning-fast actuation with its short travel distance and a unique all-POM construction, resulting in a smooth and feather-light touch. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housing, producing a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon.
While both the Meteor Orange and Smoothie Silver share similar qualities in their top and bottom housings, they differ in the specific attributes each material brings to the overall typing experience. The nylon housing of the Meteor Orange offers a softer and more absorbent quality, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver. The POM housing, on the other hand, contributes to a more muted sound that some users may find more pleasing and unique.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gateron Smoothie Silver will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, such as the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Meteor Orange or the more muted and pleasing sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from either option. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a deeper and more muted profile, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has no specific actuation force mentioned and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Meteor Orange. When considering the weight of the switch, users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. However, some users may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Smoothie Silver offers a slightly shallower press than the Meteor Orange, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or other activities that require a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Smoothie Silver catering to those seeking a quicker key press and the Meteor Orange appealing to users looking for a slightly more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key response.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also impact the overall sound produced by the switch.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is currently unknown.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch excels in providing a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. Its mild and polished feel makes it a versatile option for users looking for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, offering a unique typing experience with unparalleled smoothness. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound profile. If you prefer a gentle and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, then the Meteor Orange would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you prioritize and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
