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SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisite gentleness, offering a soft and seductive tactility that is complemented by a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches provide a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are distinguished by their captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Additionally, their medium weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky', these switches offer a different sensory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

57g

Bottom-out force

51g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.20 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Ly

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

Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their compositions and their resulting sound profiles. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing that creates a unique sound profile on the deeper side, although it is relatively more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange generates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Meteor Orange and the Sunset Yellow share the same nylon material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Conversely, both switches differ in their top housings which have an impact on the sound when releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound when the key is released, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a relatively more muted sound when the key is let go.

In summary, the top and bottom housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a more unique and relatively muted sound. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. So, although there are differences in the housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound profile when pressing down on the switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Meteor Orange switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter than the Meteor Orange switch. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, which is also in the medium-light range.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch for different typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Sunset Yellow, as its lower actuation force allows for more effortless typing and extended periods of use without fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for tasks such as office work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Meteor Orange switch, even though its actuation force is unknown. The higher bottom out force of 57 grams on the Meteor Orange switch provides a firmer and more satisfying keystroke.

While the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch remains unknown, the fact that it has a higher bottom out force suggests that it may offer a more robust typing experience compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. However, for those looking for a lighter switch, both options provide similar results with medium-light actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance than the Sunset Yellow. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.2 mm is shallower. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow may be preferred. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper pressing experience. For those who enjoy a more substantial feel, the Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.

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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.

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 is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you are using it at home or at work. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that creates an indulgent typing experience. Both switches are also described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its exquisite gentleness. It is considered to be a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The combination of reduced friction and smooth key travel contributes to the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method that contribute to a distinct gliding feel. It is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The switch is also described as frictionless, meaning it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. Like the Meteor Orange, the Sunset Yellow is also considered polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different but equally appealing subjective qualities. The Meteor Orange provides a soft and seductive tactility along with a neutral and thocky sound profile. Its feel is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and thocky sound that creates an indulgent typing experience. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, and its creamy and frictionless qualities provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. While they differ in some aspects, both switches excel in providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with slight variations based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is the perfect choice for you. These gentle switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you are seeking a linear switch with a similar bottom out force, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is the way to go. These Creamsicle-colored switches not only provide a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding but also offer a rich, bassy, and decadent typing experience. With their unique POM stem, proprietary factory lube method, and frictionless characteristics, the Sunset Yellow switches ensure a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile or linear switches and the specific sound and feel you desire for your typing experience.

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