SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Aflion Thunder Shadow 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Meteor Orange is praised for its gentle and soft tactility, making it a great option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a more invigorating typing feel. While the Meteor Orange boasts a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow offers a medium weight feel with its 63.5g bottom-out. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is clear that they both offer unique qualities that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a clearer and resonant sound. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the Meteor Orange and Thunder Shadow switches, they both utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that one can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. However, the differences in top housing materials between the two switches may still contribute to subtle variations in sound and typing experience that cater to individual preferences.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Aflion Thunder Shadow will depend on whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone (Meteor Orange with nylon housing) or a sharper and clearer sound profile with a crisper tone (Thunder Shadow with polycarbonate housing). While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that offer a similar sound experience, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether you prioritize sound aesthetics or feel when typing, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two options.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is lighter compared to the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams, making the latter heavier. The lighter bottom out force of the Meteor Orange may appeal to those who prefer typing for longer periods without fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow may be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation force, both switches have unknown values, but it can be assumed that they would provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The Meteor Orange's 4 mm travel distance falls in the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both options provide a tactile feel when pressed, but the Meteor Orange offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired tactile feedback.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are praised for their neutral profiles, making them versatile options suitable for various settings and users. The Meteor Orange is noted for its thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience, while the Thunder Shadow maintains a similar neutral sound signature. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle tactility and smooth key travel, making it a comfortable choice for most users. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches both excel in specific areas, with the former focusing on a soft and gentle tactility and thocky sound profile, while the latter offers a pronounced tactile bump and invigorating feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience or a more tactile and responsive feel, you can choose between the Meteor Orange for a mild and refined experience or the Thunder Shadow for a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider the weight preference and the typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a softer tactility with a more polished feel, the Meteor Orange would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a more pronounced tactile bump for an invigorating typing experience, the Thunder Shadow would be the better option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings and user preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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