SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Speed Silver. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their gentle and exquisite tactility, creating a soft and seductive typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a satisfying thocky sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches are ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision. These tactile switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, they allow for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches fall into the neutral and mild categories, providing a comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 TTC Speed Silver switches exhibit significant differences. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, while the Speed Silver utilizes 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, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, if RGB lighting is in use, the translucent nature of polycarbonate proves advantageous. In contrast, the Meteor Orange and Speed Silver share the same nylon bottom housing, both offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound absorption qualities of nylon.
When examining the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience, the qualities of the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing's characteristics come into play when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housings in the overall typing experience, with each material offering a unique contribution to the sound profile.
While the nylon bottom housing remains consistent between both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and TTC Speed Silver, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, the choice of top housing varies significantly. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver produces a more clear and resonant sound. These differences in housing material emphasize the role of material choice in shaping the overall sound profile and highlight the variety of options available to enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Meteor Orange has an unavailable gram measurement, while the Speed Silver requires 45 grams of force for actuation. This means that the Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams of force, which is considered medium-light. In comparison, the Speed Silver has a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, which is also medium-light. In terms of weight, the Speed Silver is the lighter option for both actuation and bottom out forces. However, since the actuation force for the Meteor Orange is unavailable, it is difficult to determine a direct comparison between the two. Nevertheless, it can be inferred that using the Speed Silver will provide a similar typing experience in terms of force required, as both switches fall under the medium-light category for bottom out force. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Speed Silver, while individuals seeking a more substantial feel may choose the Meteor Orange, understanding that its actuation force is unavailable.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance than the Speed Silver. The 4 mm distance is considered the more traditional option, while the 3.4 mm distance is on the shallower side. However, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Gamers, for example, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. It is essential to consider one's preference for responsiveness or depth when selecting between the shorter or longer option.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Meteor Orange switch is best known for its exquisitely gentle and soft tactility, resulting in a pleasant typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate and versatile sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or work. Additionally, the switch exhibits mild characteristics, providing a gentle typing feel that most users will find approachable. It is also polished, meaning it offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is famous for its fast and precise typing experience. It has a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. The switch features a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation, ideal for users who prioritize speed. Like the Meteor Orange, the Speed Silver has a neutral sound profile and exhibits mild characteristics. It offers a gentle typing feel and a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and TTC Speed Silver linear switch provide desirable qualities for different preferences. If you prioritize a gentle and soft tactility, with a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience, with a light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switch would be a better option. Both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them versatile options for various users and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider the specific characteristics and preferences that align with your typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, and a moderate actuation force, the Meteor Orange would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a gentle typing experience and have a moderate bottom out force of 57 grams, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, if you enjoy a deep and satisfying thocky sound when pressing keys, the Meteor Orange delivers on that front.
However, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, they offer a similarly medium-light experience as the Meteor Orange. The Speed Silver switches are renowned for their accuracy and swiftness, making them an ideal choice for those who require fast typing speeds.
Ultimately, the decision between the Meteor Orange and the Speed Silver boils down to personal preference. Consider whether you value a more tactile and alluring typing experience or prioritize speed and precision. Both switches provide a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Speed Silver, you can expect enjoyable keystrokes and a satisfying sound profile.
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