SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for those who appreciate a tactile experience are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Meteor Orange switches are best known for their exquisitely gentle nature, offering a soft and seductive tactility that is accompanied by a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio are designed to captivate users with a remarkable tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance of 70g with each keystroke. Along with their exceptional tactile experience, these switches also offer a familiar and captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both use nylon as a material for their top and bottom housings. As a result, both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's unique properties make it a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This absorption creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality between the two switches.
Although both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Both the Meteor Orange and the WS Heavy Tactile are likely to provide a satisfying tactile feedback and solid bottom-out sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
However, when releasing a key, the impact of the top housing material becomes more apparent. The top housing plays a significant role in determining the sound produced when a key is released. While both switches utilize nylon top housing, there may be slight differences in terms of the sound profile when letting go of a key. Users can expect a smoother and more rounded sound when the key is released, further enhancing the overall typing experience provided by these switches.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile share similar qualities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep, full, and relatively dull sound profile while typing. However, the impact of each housing material is divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, users can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch with the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, meaning the exact amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange has a slightly heavier weight with 57 grams, which falls under the medium-light category. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch due to its lower bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for situations such as work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch, as its bottom out force is heavier.
In summary, while the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, the Meteor Orange switch is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find the WS Heavy Tactile more suitable, while those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter distance is often preferred by gamers who desire faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. In that case, the Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying depth. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately 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 Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is best known for its soft and seductive tactility as well as its neutral sound profile. This means that the switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. When pressed, the Meteor Orange switch produces a deep and satisfying sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Meteor Orange switch offers a gentle and approachable typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is known for its profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a tactile force of 70g. Each keystroke with the WS Heavy Tactile switch is imbued with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. In terms of sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a captivating sound profile described as "thocky". This means that the switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The nylon housing of the switch contributes to its "thocky" resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback with each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, snappy and reactive feel, and moderate to firm actuation force.
In comparing the two switches, the Meteor Orange and WS Heavy Tactile, we can see that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral sound profile, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a "thocky" resonance. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Ultimately, if you are looking for a soft and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch is a great choice. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, immersive auditory feedback, and an invigorating typing sensation, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work. They also provide a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a tactile force of 70g, these switches offer a satisfying resistance and make typing an engaging and immersive journey. They provide a captivating and resonant sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, they are described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent amount of tactility and a spring-like feedback sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a softer and more neutral typing experience, the Meteor Orange switches would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a captivating sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision.
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