SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer unique qualities to consider. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches boast a smooth feel with a snappy tactile bump, coupled with a neutral sound signature, catering to those who enjoy a more responsive typing feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile lies in their top housing. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile has a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in top housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon material. This means that typing on switches that use these housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, these switches will provide a similar typing experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing, contributing to a consistent sound and feel while typing.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Meteor Orange and the WS Light Tactile impacts the sound profile and typing experience significantly. While nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer nature, polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer properties. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel while typing, users can choose between these two switch options to achieve their desired typing experience. Additionally, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch introduces a nuanced blend of characteristics that affect both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key, providing a comprehensive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Light Tactile is the lighter of the two. The Meteor Orange does not provide specific information on actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange for its slightly heavier bottom out force, while individuals seeking a lighter touch may prefer the WS Light Tactile. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preferences, with the Meteor Orange providing a bit more resistance and the WS Light Tactile offering a lighter typing experience, allowing users to type for longer periods without fatigue.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling of travel distance. Having the same travel distance of 4 mm ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience regardless of whether they are using the Meteor Orange or the WS Light Tactile switches.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches have a neutral profile, meaning they provide a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of settings and skill levels. However, the Meteor Orange switch offers a slightly thocky sound, which produces a deep and satisfying tone when pressed, while the WS Light Tactile switch does not have this specific characteristic. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on the keyboard and keycaps used in combination.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. These qualities make the switch approachable and easy to use for most individuals, offering a smooth and refined key travel due to either premium materials or factory lubing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile experience with slight pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Additionally, these switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor Orange switch offers a thocky sound and a gentle, polished typing experience, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feel with easy-to-press properties. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, either switch could provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches and setups will help newcomers find the perfect fit for their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the WS Light Tactile with a bottom out force of 50 grams may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a medium-light touch, the Meteor Orange with a bottom out force of 57 grams could be the better choice. Additionally, if you value a softer and more seductive tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a snappy tactile bump and a smooth typing experience with a light touch, the WS Light Tactile might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and the qualities that matter most to you when selecting the switch that best fits your needs.
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