SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches worth considering are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisitely gentle nature, offering a soft and seductive tactility while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Interestingly, the Meteor Orange switches fall under the categories of neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, while the Tourmaline Blue switches are categorized as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Therefore, if you prefer a gentle and soft typing experience, the Meteor Orange switches might be the ideal choice for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ greatly in terms of their housing materials. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the contrast between the Meteor Orange and the Tourmaline Blue remains pronounced. The Meteor Orange features a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing counterpart. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softness of nylon and its sound-absorbing capabilities. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. As with the top housing, the transparent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.

Although the Meteor Orange and the Tourmaline Blue have differing top and bottom housing materials, they share similarities within their respective housing compositions. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Meteor Orange create a consistent sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness through sound absorption. Similarly, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Tourmaline Blue maintain a uniform sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitches, and clarity. Regardless of the specific materials used, the impact of the housing on the key press experience is evident. The bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unknown, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force measurement. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light, while the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy.

Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch in order to comfortably type for extended periods of time, making it suitable for work-related tasks or long gaming sessions. The Meteor Orange, with its undisclosed actuation force, may offer such a lighter feel. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue, with its 59 grams actuation force, provides a stronger push feel.

In terms of bottoming out, which refers to pressing the switch all the way down, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams of force, making it medium-light in comparison to the Tourmaline Blue's heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the Tourmaline Blue will offer a slightly more resistant and tactile typing experience when fully pressing the keys.

While the actuation force of the Meteor Orange remains unknown, it is possible that opting for this switch might yield similar results to the Tourmaline Blue in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches, as the Tourmaline Blue generally leans towards a heavier and more substantial feel, while the Meteor Orange may provide a lighter typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a deep and thocky sound. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Meteor Orange being more gentle and the Tourmaline Blue offering a deeper and richer sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle tactile feedback and refined finish of these switches offer a smooth and sleek keystroke. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press typing feel. This means that the keystrokes are smooth, effortless, and require minimal force to activate. Both switches provide a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Meteor Orange and Tourmaline Blue switches both offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.

Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they differ slightly in their sound profiles, both switches offer a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. Similarly, they provide different but enjoyable typing experiences, with the Meteor Orange being more mild and polished, and the Tourmaline Blue feeling buttery and easy-to-press. Based on the available information, both switches offer pleasing and accessible qualities, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable typing experience for users.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with a mild and polished feel. Their neutral sound profile ensures suitability for various purposes and user levels. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel and easy-to-press keys, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is ideal. With a slightly higher bottom out force, these switches strike a balance that caters to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more