SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and SP-Star Duck are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a tactile typing experience. The Meteor Orange switches are widely known for their exquisitely gentle nature and soft tactility. With a neutral sound profile, they provide a pleasant and seductive typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience. They are perfect for those seeking a gentler tactility when typing, with a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Mild', but the Meteor Orange switches are described as 'Thocky' while the Duck switches are categorized as 'Buttery'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and SP-Star Duck switches differ significantly. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, while the Duck has a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that typing on the Meteor Orange will produce a duller and rounder sound, while the Duck will offer a clearer and resonant sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also vary. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Duck employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. As with the top housing, the nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck produces a more clear and resonant sound, thanks to its stiffness. Aesthetically, clear housings are typically made of polycarbonate, making it ideal for use in switches that feature RGB lighting.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ for each switch, the overall feel and sound of the switches will be influenced by both. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the sound when releasing a key will be predominantly influenced by the top housing. While the specific characteristics may vary between the two switches due to their housing materials, both the Meteor Orange and the Duck offer unique sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact values for actuation force are not available. However, we can still analyze their differences. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Duck has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls under the medium category.
In terms of actuation force, as mentioned, the specific value for both switches is not known. However, assuming that the actuation forces are similar or at least close, we can expect the results to be quite comparable. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches may be similar or have negligible differences.
Considering weight in the decision-making process, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Meteor Orange. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, others may prefer a more substantial typing experience and opt for a heavier switch like the Duck. This preference stems from the desire for a stronger push feel, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.
In summary, while the actuation force for both switches is not known, the bottom out forces reveal that the Meteor Orange is slightly lighter with a 57-gram bottom out force, while the Duck is slightly heavier with a 58-gram bottom out force. Thus, for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Meteor Orange would be the suitable choice, while those seeking a slightly heavier switch may prefer the Duck.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch are the same, both measuring 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. This ensures a similar tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
The subjective qualities of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch in terms of sound are best described as neutral and potentially thocky. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. However, the Meteor Orange switch may also have a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also has a neutral sound profile. Therefore, if sound is an important factor for you, both switches will provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is best known for its mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature of these switches offers a gentle typing experience, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also offers a mild and polished feel. The switch provides a gentle typing experience and has a smooth and refined finish due to either materials used or factory lubrication. Additionally, it is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Therefore, both switches offer comparable qualities in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Duck tactile switches both provide desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch is ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch is a perfect choice. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with smooth and refined finishes that result in a sleek and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light. They are best known for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. The Meteor Orange switches offer a more mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, they are described as having a neutral and thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches would be perfect for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium. They offer a gentle tactility when typing on them and have a clean and crispy sound profile. Like the Meteor Orange switches, the Duck switches also offer a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They are described as having a buttery sound, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Duck tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences. Both switches offer a gentle tactile experience and a moderate bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Consider whether you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force or a more subtle tactile feel when making your decision.
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