SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Mountain Top present two intriguing options for users seeking a linear switch. The Meteor White offers a gentle and subdued typing experience with a soft feel and quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate touch while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience that is perfect for professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Mountain Top are both made of nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the shared housing material.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing, there may still be differences in the overall sound and feel based on the design and construction of each switch. The qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though the housing material is the same, the switches may still provide slightly different typing experiences.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Mountain Top both utilize nylon housing materials that create a similar sound profile, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience due to the design and construction of each switch. Both switches will offer a deep and full sound when typing, but the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel may vary slightly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific sound and feel that each individual prefers in their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is the lighter option. The Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter overall feel. While the force required for actuation is lower in the Mountain Top switch, both switches offer a decent level of resistance for comfortable typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The traditional travel distance is typically around 4 mm, so the Meteor White falls within that range, while the Mountain Top is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Mountain Top a potentially popular choice for gaming. However, some may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Meteor White for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both offer a subtle and gentle typing experience with their soft sound profiles. The Meteor White switch produces a neutral and thocky sound, while the Mountain Top switch produces a neutral sound that is designed for discretion in office environments. While both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profiles, the keycaps and board used can also affect the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor White switch is described as mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of feedback and key travel.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provide a subdued and comfortable typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feedback, users can expect similar results in terms of a gentle typing experience with both of these switches. It is essential to consider personal typing preferences and the intended use case when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the factors of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile with a neutral typing feel, the Meteor White switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a lighter bottom out force, a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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