SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisitively gentle nature, combining a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', they offer a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switches boast a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive feel while maintaining a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. These switches offer a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon as their housing materials, making them quite similar in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches that use this material. Both the Meteor Orange and WS Red provide a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the nylon material offers a consistent experience in terms of sound and feel.
Although the housing materials of the Meteor Orange and WS Red are the same, it is important to note that there might be slight differences in sound and feel due to the split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective housing material will be more noticeable. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. These subtle variations might be appealing to different typists depending on their personal preferences.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer similar experiences when it comes to housing materials. Both switches employ nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to enhance the sound profile. Typing on these switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Although the top and bottom housings may distribute these qualities slightly differently, the overall effect remains consistent. Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor Orange and WS Red will depend on individual preferences and the specific sound and feel desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the WS Red. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange is 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light. In contrast, the WS Red has an actuation force of unavailable grams, suggesting that it may be similar to the Meteor Orange in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the WS Red is 67 grams, which is slightly heavier, falling into the medium-heavy range.
The weight of the switches is worth considering as it can directly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the SP-Star Meteor Orange, as it allows for longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals using the keyboard extensively in work or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the WS Red. The 67 grams provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.
In summary, while the actuation forces are unavailable for both switches, the Meteor Orange can be considered lighter due to its slightly lower bottom out force of 57 grams. In contrast, the WS Red is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing experience and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of shorter travel distance, the WS Red is the winner, as it has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Meteor Orange. This can be advantageous for gamers who prefer faster response times and a more responsive feel when typing. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences.
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 Red 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 Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It produces a satisfying and deep "thocky" sound when pressed and released, giving a sense of richness and depth. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Red switch is unknown. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into the middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, this switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the WS Red switch is unknown.
Overall, the Meteor Orange switch stands out for its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. The WS Red switch, on the other hand, lacks information on sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, the Meteor Orange switch may be a suitable alternative as it provides a gentle and satisfying feel. Keep in mind that the specific sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a gentle typing experience with a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange would be a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it provides a comfortable typing feel without being too heavy. The neutral sound profile of the Meteor Orange makes it suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, its mild and polished characteristics ensure that you will enjoy a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Red would be a suitable option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, each keystroke will carry a satisfying weight, adding substance to your typing. Although there is no specific description of the sound profile for the WS Red, the classic material blend used in these switches is likely to provide a familiar sound signature. This can be appealing if you are accustomed to a certain sound when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch depends on your personal preference for the typing experience. Whether you prioritize a gentle and polished typing feel or a bouncy and substantial keystroke, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
