SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Jerrzi Violet both offer a tactile typing experience, but with some key differences. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their exquisitely gentle feel, soft tactility, and neutral sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are also gentle and tactile, with a smooth actuation and poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Jerrzi Violet, one can see a clear difference in the materials used for their top housings. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer properties that result in a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in materials highlights how different housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they share a common material in nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the Meteor Orange and the Violet, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Despite having different top housings, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housings means that both switches will likely exhibit similar characteristics in terms of sound when typing on them. This demonstrates how even within the same switch, different housing materials can result in varied sound profiles depending on their placement.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on it. The contrasting nature of the nylon and polycarbonate top housings of the Meteor Orange and Violet showcases how different plastics can produce distinct sounds, from deeper and fuller to sharper and crisper. While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, highlighting the similarities in sound profiles that can result from a shared housing material. Understanding these differences can help enthusiasts make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the actuation force is stated as None grams. In contrast, the Violet switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is essential for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key fully. The weight of a switch can affect typing experience, with some preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions and others favoring heavier switches for a more substantial feel. In this case, the Meteor Orange is lighter due to its lower bottom out force compared to the Violet switch, which has a known actuation force but unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences based on their force requirements, catering to users' preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Violet. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Violet with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy more depth in their key presses may opt for the Meteor Orange. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, providing users with a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Violet, you can expect a satisfying key press feel.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most typing intents and purposes. However, the Meteor Orange switch is also noted for having a thocky sound quality, which gives a deep and satisfying thud when pressed. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Meteor Orange is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of these switches offers a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as stepped, meaning that it has a tactile bump that feels like it has two stages. This results in a more mild and nuanced typing experience compared to switches with a more pronounced tactile bump.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer gentle and pleasurable typing experiences with their smooth actuation and tactile feedback. While the Meteor Orange switch has a slightly more pronounced sound profile with its thocky characteristic, the Violet switch provides a stepped tactile feel that adds a unique typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both are excellent options for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the Meteor Orange if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a soft and seductive tactility, and a neutral sound profile with a thocky sound. On the other hand, choose the Violet switch if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force, smooth actuation, poppy tactility, and a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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