SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Meteor Orange switch is known for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a smooth typing experience categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch stands out for its unique internal configuration, providing a seamless glide and a distinctive "Q-texture" feel that is both smooth and engaging. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky', the Venus switch offers a light actuation for rapid typing. While the Meteor Orange switch may be preferred for its soft tactility, the Venus switch appeals to those looking for a smooth and engaging typing experience with a unique texture. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and TTC Venus both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus features a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, albeit more muted compared to nylon. This contrast in sound profiles reflects the different acoustic qualities each housing material brings to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the Meteor Orange employs nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. This consistency in material helps maintain a cohesive sound profile throughout the entire switch. Conversely, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. The polycarbonate material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for use in bottom housings for a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and TTC Venus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Meteor Orange offers a consistent deep and full sound with its nylon housing on both top and bottom, the Venus provides a more unique and muted sound with POM on top and polycarbonate on the bottom. Depending on whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you go for the softer sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while its actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the Venus switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, also falling into the medium-light category. When it comes to weight, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, those who prefer a bit more resistance may find the Meteor Orange to be slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Venus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Venus is slightly shallower. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Meteor Orange. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their slightly varying travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a more bass-heavy and quieter typing experience. Both switches have thocky characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Meteor Orange switch offers a more standard sound profile, the Venus switch provides a unique and subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch provides a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch delivers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless sensation. This means that typing on the Venus switch feels smooth and fluid, like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, with minimal resistance or friction during key presses. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Venus switch emphasizing a more effortless and uniform sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral and polished sound with a mild and refined typing feel, while the Venus switch delivers a low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the gentle tactility of the Meteor Orange or the unique matte sensation of the Venus switch for a customized mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a soft and gentle tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, then the Meteor Orange switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a nearly frictionless glide, a unique "Q-texture" sensation, and a light actuation for rapid typing, along with a muted and smooth sound signature, then the TTC Venus linear switch may be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile or smoothness and rapid typing experience in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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