SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both of which are tactile switches. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisite gentleness, providing a soft and seductive tactility that many enthusiasts enjoy. With a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. These switches offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches greatly differ in terms of the top housing. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor boasts a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Moreover, the Viola Tricolor's top housing allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making it ideal for those who want illuminated switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and the Viola Tricolor utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers similar benefits for both switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. By using nylon in the bottom housing, both switches elicit a duller and rounder sound when typing. This consistency in housing materials ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches deliver comparable experiences.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches vary, their bottom housing materials remain the same. This implies that the sound and feel of pressing down on the switches will have similar qualities, thanks to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing. However, the sound produced when letting go of a key will be influenced by the contrasting properties of the nylon and polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor offers the advantage of RGB lighting integration, which sets it apart aesthetically from the Meteor Orange.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, meaning that specific information is not provided. However, both switches have different bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which falls within the medium-light range. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer a lighter option for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This lighter weight allows for ease of typing and comfort. In this case, the Meteor Orange would be a suitable choice as its bottom out force is in the medium-light range. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users may benefit from switches with heavier forces. In such cases, the Viola Tricolor with its medium-heavy bottom out force would be a suitable option.
While the specific actuation forces of both switches are unknown, it can be assumed that they are at least within a similar range given that they are both tactile switches. As such, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force for both switches.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in their bottom out forces, with the Meteor Orange being medium-light and the Viola Tricolor being medium-heavy. The specific actuation forces are unavailable for both switches, but it can be assumed that they are within a similar range. The choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences, with some opting for a lighter feel and others preferring a heavier, more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference is minimal, the Meteor Orange can be considered as having a longer travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor Orange being slightly on the deeper side and the Viola Tricolor being on the shallower side.
For gamers or those who value faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may be preferred. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Meteor Orange. The longer distance provides a sense of depth and may be more satisfying for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile that is characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes the switch suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Furthermore, the Meteor Orange switch is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. It is bass-heavy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches have their unique sound qualities, and it is important to note that the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its mild characteristics. It offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced qualities. The Meteor Orange switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek typing. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It provides a medium amount of feedback that is satisfying but not overly pronounced. It is also described as invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique feels, catering to different preferences.
Taking into account the available information, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch is known for its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, mild feel, and polished finish. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, accented feel, and an invigorating typing sensation. While they have their own unique characteristics, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two. If you are looking for a softer and more neutral experience, the Meteor Orange switch would be preferable. Conversely, if you desire a more punchy and pronounced tactile feel, the Viola Tricolor switch would suit your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a soft and seductive tactility, and a neutral sound profile, then the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined feel during typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, and a thuddy and punchy sound profile, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a better option. These switches strike a perfect balance between tactile feedback and actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switches also offer a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to your typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider which qualities are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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