SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisite gentleness, boasting a soft and seductive tactility along with a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches offer a unique typing experience that is preferred by many. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches from Outemu have consistently impressed users with their performance. Featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, these switches are particularly favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Categorized as 'Neutral', they offer a smooth and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in their composition and the resulting sound profiles they create. The Meteor Orange switch utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Yellow Silver switch features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon housing of the Meteor Orange switch provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Yellow Silver switch produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer plastic enhances clarity and resonance in the sound. Additionally, the Yellow Silver switch's clear polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Therefore, the choice between these two switches depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Furthermore, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The nylon material used in both switches is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This quality contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the nylon material is consistent in both the Meteor Orange and Yellow Silver switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in their top housing composition. The Meteor Orange switch with a nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver switch with a polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in similar deep and full sound profiles. Depending on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics, individuals can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is currently unknown, whereas the Yellow Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch requires 57 grams of force, which is considered medium-light, while the Yellow Silver switch requires 55 grams, also falling into the medium-light category.
Considering weight is important when choosing switches, as it affects the typing experience and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may appreciate the Meteor Orange switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Yellow Silver switch, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may be a better option.
While the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is currently unknown, it is worth mentioning that if it turns out to be similar to the 45 grams of the Yellow Silver switch, users can expect a similar response in terms of triggering keystrokes. Both switches have medium-light bottom out forces, with the Meteor Orange requiring slightly more force at 57 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Yellow Silver switch.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ, with the Yellow Silver switch having a known actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Meteor Orange switch's actuation force is currently unavailable and has a bottom out force of 57 grams. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Meteor Orange switch being potentially lighter and better for extended typing sessions, while the Yellow Silver switch may provide a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either of these switches. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance, as they both have the same measurement.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user. However, the Meteor Orange is also described as having a thocky sound, which means it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. 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. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile, both options will provide similar results. If you prefer a more thocky sound, then the Meteor Orange would be a better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a more approachable experience for most users. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubrication, which helps reduce friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison in terms of feel between the two switches.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a neutral sound profile. However, the Meteor Orange offers the additional quality of a thocky sound, which may be preferred by some users. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange provides a mild and gentle typing experience with its polished finish, while information about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound and their desire for a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a soft and seductive tactility, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly lower bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, these switches are favored by gamers and typists who desire a light actuation force. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, and your choice should depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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