SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gazzew U4. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisitely gentle touch, providing a soft and seductive tactility that is hard to resist. With a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, these switches bring a touch of elegance to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a thrilling tactile bump that adds excitement to every keystroke. What sets them apart is the unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, giving you a sense of comfort and luxury. Additionally, the U4 switches boast a whisper-quiet sound profile, making them perfect for those who prioritize a serene working environment. However, to make an informed decision on the best switch for you, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities and explore the unique features and specifications of each option.

By the numbers

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gazzew U4 switches have distinct characteristics but also share some similarities in terms of sound profile. While the Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the U4 switches feature a proprietary Gazzew blend for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer and sound-absorbing properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. Similarly, the U4's Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience with a duller and rounder tone.

However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, each housing material will have its own impact on the switch's sound profile. In this case, the bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This variation allows for more customization and fine-tuning of the switch's sound profile based on personal preferences. Therefore, those who prioritize specific characteristics during typing, such as the feel of bottoming out or the sound upon key release, may find the differences between the SP-Star Meteor Orange's nylon housing and the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend important.

Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gazzew U4 switches yield comparable results in terms of their unique sound profiles. Both switches utilize materials that are known for their softness and sound-absorbing abilities, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether the switch features nylon or a proprietary blend, users can expect a similar dull and round sound when typing. However, those looking for more nuanced differences in sound may appreciate the variations between the top and bottom housing materials, as these contribute to the bottom-out feel and key release sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some distinct differences. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the exact measurement for the Meteor Orange is unavailable. However, the U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is a relatively light force. As for the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which falls in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the U4 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, still within the medium category.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Meteor Orange, especially if they intend to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for a smoother typing experience without exerting too much pressure. However, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier force of the Gazzew U4. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback that adds a sense of solidity and stability to each keystroke.

Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the Meteor Orange and U4 switches, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience. Therefore, if one desires a similar result between the two, they can expect comparable actuation and bottom out forces, even though the exact measurement for the Meteor Orange actuation force is unknown.

Travel distance

The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4mm, which is considered the most traditional distance. On the other hand, the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6mm, which is slightly shorter. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the U4 would be a good choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a switch with a more substantial feel, the Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance would be ideal. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is best known for its soft and seductive tactility, providing a gentle typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, producing a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed. The Meteor Orange switch falls into the category of a mild switch, offering a more approachable typing experience with its middle-ground qualities. Additionally, it is described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing. It provides a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience. The U4 has a whisper quiet sound profile, categorized as muted with a low-pitched tone. It is known for producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.

In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Meteor Orange provides a gentle and soft tactile experience with a neutral sound profile and a polished finish. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump, accompanied by a muted, low-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences. One can achieve similar results in terms of sound and overall experience, but there will be notable differences in tactile feedback between the two switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great option for you. These switches are known for their exquisitely gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. They provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work. They also offer a satisfying thocky sound when pressed, giving you a deep and rich typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be a fantastic choice. These switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each key press. They also offer an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a unique tactile experience to your typing. Additionally, the U4 switches have a whisper quiet sound profile, thanks to their muted and low-pitched characteristics. This makes them perfect for situations where minimizing noise is a priority.

Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gazzew U4 tactile switches depends on your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you are looking for a lighter bottom out force and a neutral thocky sound, the Meteor Orange switches would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a sharp tactile bump and a quiet, muted sound, the U4 switches would be more suitable for you. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer high-quality and enjoyable typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more