SP-Star Meteor White vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Black. Both switches fall into the linear category, but they offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Meteor White is known for its gentle and easy-to-push nature, providing a soft type feel and a delicate pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Black, perfected by Cherry, boasts a classic textured smoothness thanks to their Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches elicits a deep and satisfying sound profile. Despite these general characteristics, let's delve into the specifics of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Black both utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in similar sound profiles. The nylon top housing of both switches absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition, creating a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic provides a rounder and duller sound experience, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, whether you opt for the SP-Star Meteor White or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect a comparable sound profile that enhances the typing sensation.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both the Meteor White and MX Black contributes to the switches' sound profile. With its soft plastic composition, the nylon material absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing a key. Whether you choose the Meteor White or the MX Black, the nylon bottom housing will have an impact on the switch's sound and feel, providing a consistent typing experience.
Although both switches share the same nylon housing material for their top and bottom components, the differences lie in how these qualities manifest. The top housing material has a more prominent influence on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel during pressing. This distinction means that the overall typing experience may vary slightly between the Meteor White and the MX Black. Still, both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing, such as a deep and full sound profile, making them suitable choices for those seeking an enhanced keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Meteor White is currently unavailable, while the MX Black requires a force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White has a relatively light measurement of 57 grams, while the MX Black is noticeably heavier at 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Meteor White may be the preferred choice, as its actuation force is likely to be lower than the MX Black. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as in professional settings or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the MX Black offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer and more pronounced keystroke.
Considering the importance of weight in switch selection, individuals seeking a lighter switch may lean towards the Meteor White for its likely lower actuation force. Conversely, those desiring a heavier switch may opt for the MX Black due to its higher actuation and bottom out force. Each choice caters to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to find a switch that aligns with their specific needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in similar experiences for users.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes and users. The sound produced by this switch can be described as a gentle pitter-patter, resulting in a soft and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. While the Meteor White provides a softer and more gentle sound, the MX Black offers a deeper and more substantial typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates that it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, guaranteeing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which might be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Furthermore, MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out compared to other switches. Users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a soft and subdued sound profile, while the MX Black offers a deeper and more mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the MX Black switch is textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a soft and gentle typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it is easy to push and provides a subdued and soft typing experience. The sound profile of the Meteor White switch can be described as either neutral or thocky, offering a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches require more force to actuate and provide a more pronounced feel. The MX Black switch offers a deep sound profile, described as low-pitched, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and Cherry MX Black switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a softer, gentler typing experience with a softer sound, the Meteor White switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a heavier, more pronounced feel with a deeper sound, the MX Black switch would be the way to go. Consider your personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard when making your decision.
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