SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their gentle touch, offering a soft and seductive tactility. They have a neutral sound profile and are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches boast a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. Featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. They also offer a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore, thanks to their material blend. Categorized as 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Polished', these switches are crafted to be lightweight, ensuring smooth and fluid typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Yellow both use nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom of the switch. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on them. The nylon material used in both switches is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the sound produced by both the Meteor Orange and WS Yellow switches will have similar characteristics due to the use of nylon as the housing material.
However, despite the similarity in the housing material, there may be differences in the overall typing experience. If the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, as is the case with the Meteor Orange and WS Yellow, each housing material will bring its own qualities to the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that there might be slight variations in the sound and tactile feedback between the Meteor Orange and WS Yellow switches, depending on the specific design and characteristics of their bottom housings.
On the other hand, the top housing of the switch will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. Although both the Meteor Orange and WS Yellow switches use nylon for their top housing, there might be subtle differences in the sound produced when the key is released. This could be due to variations in the design or composition of the nylon material used in each switch. Therefore, while the overall sound profile of the two switches may be similar, there might be slight variations in the sound produced when typing on the Meteor Orange versus the WS Yellow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, meaning we do not have that specific information. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires a slightly heavier force of 57 grams, which falls under the category of medium-light. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, also classified as medium-light.
When considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended periods of gaming. This lighter weight allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, reducing fatigue on the hands and fingers. For users seeking a more substantial typing experience, a heavier switch may be desired, providing a stronger push feel and a sense of solidity while typing.
In terms of actuation force, since that information is not available for either switch, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, with both switches falling under the medium-light category for bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys. Overall, the WS Yellow can be considered slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Meteor Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Meteor Orange being slightly longer than the WS Yellow.
For those who prefer a more traditional feel and deeper key presses, the Meteor Orange with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferred option. On the other hand, gamers and individuals seeking faster response times may lean towards the WS Yellow with its shorter 3.8 mm travel distance.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences. If you value a more responsive typing experience and shorter key travel, then the WS Yellow would be a suitable option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Meteor Orange with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or at work. Additionally, it is described as "thocky", producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is unavailable. It is important to note 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, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer a gentle typing experience. The Meteor Orange switch is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Similarly, the WS Yellow switch is described as mild and polished, offering a safe, middle-ground typing experience with smooth key travel. Additionally, it is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke.
Overall, the Meteor Orange switch excels in its gentle and soft tactility, with a neutral and thocky sound profile. It offers a safe and approachable typing experience with its mild and polished characteristics. The WS Yellow switch, while lacking specific information about its sound, also provides a gentle and smooth typing experience, with a mild and polished feel for effortless keystrokes. Both switches can offer satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, although the specifics of the WS Yellow switch in these aspects are currently unknown.
Conclusion
In closing, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is an excellent choice if you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound profile. It offers a gentle and seductive tactility, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, its mild and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is perfect if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force. With its 22mm double-stage spring, it provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. The creamy feel of this switch, combined with its mild and polished characteristics, offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for both sound and feel, so consider which qualities align best with your typing style and needs.
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