SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the HMX Xinhai. The SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is known for its gentle and tactile feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a unique blend of soft acoustics and crisp resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear switch with a distinctively clacky and creamy feel. While the Meteor Orange is favored for its soft tactility, the Xinhai stands out for its precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switches. The Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This contrast in sound quality is further highlighted by the aesthetics, with the Xinhai's clear polycarbonate housing being ideal for RGB lighting effects.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Meteor Orange and the Xinhai utilize nylon material. This consistency in material results in both switches eliciting a deep and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Despite the difference in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing maintains a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. This consistency in the bottom housing material allows users to feel a uniform tactile response throughout the keystroke, contributing to a familiar typing feel regardless of the switch being used.
In analyzing the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is evident that the top and bottom housings play crucial roles in defining the sound profile and typing feel of the switch. The split in qualities between the two housing components means that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division in responsibilities highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate housing materials to achieve the desired sound and feel for a customized typing experience. Whether it be the nylon or polycarbonate housing of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the HMX Xinhai, each material brings a unique set of qualities that enhance the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light, while the Xinhai has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unknown, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Xinhai requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor Orange. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel may prefer the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor Orange. The Meteor Orange falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai offers a slightly shallower 3.4 mm option. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response time with the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, providing a moderate actuation force and a deep, rich sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when keypresses are made. The Xinhai switch's unique construction with a PA12 top housing and POM stem creates a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a refined finish that reduces friction for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery smooth typing experience. The lively bounce of the Xinhai switch adds a sense of rebound when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing feel. Whether you prefer a more gentle and polished experience or a bouncy and creamy one, both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor Orange switch provides a softer and more neutral typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Xinhai switch delivers a sharper, more resonant sound with a bounce and creamy smoothness to the typing feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, exploring and trying out both switches will provide a better understanding of which one aligns best with your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a unique acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, and a lively, bouncy typing experience, the Xinhai switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Choose wisely based on what feels best for your fingers and ears as you navigate the world of mechanical keyboards.
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