SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle touch and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque excel in elevating office and work experiences with their exceptional responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out. These switches utilize ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise without the need for silicone dampeners. While both switches share a neutral and mild feel, the Meteor Orange switches offer a unique thocky sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear switches provide a more muted and subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches share the same key housing material: nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches utilize this characteristic of nylon to enhance the typing experience with a richer sound profile.
In terms of the specific housing components, the Meteor Orange and the WS Silent Linear differ. The Meteor Orange has a nylon top housing, while the WS Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing. The allocation of housing materials affects how each switch sounds and feels during use. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that when you press down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound when you release a key. Consequently, the use of nylon in the respective top and bottom housings of these switches provides unique sound experiences during both key press and key release.
Despite the differences in their specific housing components, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches benefit from the sound-absorbing and sound-enhancing properties of nylon. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, nylon's characteristic softness enhances the switches' sound profiles by creating a deeper and fuller tonal quality. In this regard, both switches deliver similar results in terms of sound experience, albeit with slight variations influenced by the specific allocation of nylon housing materials within each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, several differences and similarities emerge. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the exact measurement for both switches is currently unavailable. However, considering the tactile nature of the Meteor Orange switch, it is safe to assume that the actuation force would be relatively light, providing a smoother typing experience. Similarly, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear switch is also unknown. Therefore, we can expect both switches to offer similar results in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch requires 57 grams of force to fully depress, indicating a medium-light feel. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch is slightly heavier, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This distinction means that typing with the Meteor Orange switch would feel lighter and perhaps more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch can offer a more substantial typing experience, desirable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel.
Overall, the weight of a switch is a crucial consideration when selecting a keyboard. Some users favor lighter switches, which enable them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes them ideal for work keyboards or intense gaming sessions. Conversely, others prefer switches with heavier actuation forces to provide a more substantial keypress, offering a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the Meteor Orange tactile switch and the WS Silent Linear switch will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Meteor Orange will provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on a key, while the WS Silent Linear will have a more shallow feel. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Meteor Orange is more traditional, while the 3.0mm of the WS Silent Linear is considered the most shallow. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, it would be recommended to choose the switch with the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance would be a suitable choice.
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 Silent Linear 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, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both fall under the descriptor of "neutral". This means that they have a moderate sound profile and can be suitable for various purposes, whether at home or in a work setting. However, the Meteor Orange switch also has the additional quality of being "thocky", which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as "muted" and "subdued", offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. While neither switch is completely silent, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a more subtle sound signature. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Meteor Orange and WS Silent Linear switches are described as "mild". This means that they offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches are in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. The Meteor Orange switch is also described as "polished", indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Silent Linear switch does not have any additional descriptors for its feel.
Overall, both the Meteor Orange tactile switch and the WS Silent Linear linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch provides a softer and seductive tactility, accompanied by a neutral and thocky sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear switch offers unparalleled responsiveness with a distinct typing experience that combines tranquility and precision. Despite the differences in sound and feel, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and can be suitable for most intents and purposes. If a user is looking for a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, they can expect to achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and soft tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or at work. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, these switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings to reduce switch noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. The WS Silent Linear offers a muted and subdued sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Similar to the Meteor Orange switch, the WS Silent Linear switch also provides a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch depends on your preference for sound and the level of bottom out force you desire.
Mentioned in this article
