SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Jwick Taro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from. Two notable switches are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Jwick Taro, both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange switches are known for their exquisitely gentle nature, offering a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Meteor Orange is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', while the Taro falls into the 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped' categories. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Jwick Taro switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the Taro's translucency makes polycarbonate particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting.

Regarding the bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and the Taro employ nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which enhances sound absorption. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound profile.

When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, their respective qualities are distributed between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing materials in the top and bottom portions of the switch can significantly affect the overall sound profile and typing experience.

In summary, the SP-Star Meteor Orange's use of nylon in both its top and bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro differentiates itself with a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom impacts specific aspects of the sound and feel. Consequently, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in achieving the desired typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is important to consider weight as a deciding factor. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force that is unavailable to us, while the Taro also has an unavailable actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which can be categorized as medium-light, whereas the Taro needs 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Meteor Orange would be a suitable choice as its bottom out force is relatively lighter. This characteristic makes it convenient for individuals who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a stronger push feel due to its higher bottom out force, which provides a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force appeals to those who prefer a tactile switch with more resistance.

While the actuation forces remain unknown for both switches, it is safe to assume that they would yield similar results as their bottom out forces vary in weight. Consequently, those seeking a lighter typing experience would find similarities between the two switches, while those who desire a heavier force can expect a distinguishable typing experience with the Taro switch.

In conclusion, when considering actuation and bottom out forces, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a medium-light bottom out force, providing a lighter typing experience, while the Jwick Taro switch delivers a medium-heavy bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing encounter.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Meteor Orange being more in line with the standard 4.0 mm, the Taro offers a slightly shallower travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Taro's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Meteor Orange and its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. This switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a satisfying, deep "thocky" sound when pressed and released. The Jwick Taro switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various uses. However, it does not provide additional information about the sound characteristics such as being "thocky," so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound. Though it is worth mentioning that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when aiming for a specific sound profile. Based on the available information, it can be assumed that both switches will provide a similar overall sound experience, with the Meteor Orange offering a potentially deeper sound due to its "thocky" descriptor.

In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as offering a "mild" typing experience with a gentle tactility. It falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. Additionally, the switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is referred to as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Furthermore, the Taro switch is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it offers a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, unlike hypersensitive switches. Considering these descriptions, the Meteor Orange switch seems to offer a more gentle and refined typing experience, thanks to its mild tactility and polished finish. However, both switches offer smooth and comfortable typing experiences overall, making them suitable for long typing sessions.

In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Jwick Taro switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral sound profile with a deep "thocky" characteristic, while the Taro switch only specifies a neutral sound profile. However, it is important to note that the overall sound also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and refined typing experience with gentle tactility and a polished finish, while the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped feel. Both switches provide smooth and comfortable typing experiences. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a similar sound profile and overall feel, both switches can be considered as they offer comparable qualities, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a softer tactility and a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches are known for their exquisitively gentle and seductive tactility, making them ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Additionally, they have a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a snappy and medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches provide a cozy typing experience and produce acute and crisp clacks. They also have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more