SP-Star Meteor White vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Brown 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 White and the Cherry MX Brown. On one hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch that offers a gentle and easy-to-press feel, accompanied by a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Brown is a tactile switch that provides a relatively light typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While both switches boast their own unique characteristics, such as the Meteor White's neutral and mild attributes, and the MX Brown's textured and bassy qualities, diving deeper into their nuances will help you make the best decision for your specific preferences and needs.
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
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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Brown switches are both made of nylon, making them similar in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles. Both nylon top housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience for users of both switches.
While the housing materials are the same for both switches, they are divided between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom nylon housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the impact and resulting sound when fully pressing a key will be affected by the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing.
In contrast, the top housing, which is also made of nylon, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a distinct sound profile when lifting the fingers off the keys. As a result, the typing experience on both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Brown switches will exhibit similar sound qualities, thanks to the properties of the nylon housing materials utilized.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium-light category. The actuation force of the Meteor White switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the 45 grams of actuation force required by the MX Brown switch. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 57 grams and 55 grams respectively, indicating that they offer a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter option like the Meteor White switch. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier force offered by the MX Brown switch. This additional push feel can provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unavailable, both it and the MX Brown switch offer a medium-light bottom out force. The lighter weight of the Meteor White switch may appeal to those who desire longer typing sessions, while the MX Brown switch provides a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches 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 as the key is pressed from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Cherry MX Brown provide similar results, ensuring a consistent typing experience 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 Brown 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
The subjective qualities of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Meteor White is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound. This results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Meteor White switch is characterized as mild and polished. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is described as textured. This indicates that it has noticeable friction when pressed, providing a textured or slightly scratchy feel. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch offers a gentle and soft sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a deeper and richer sound with a bassy and low-pitched tone, along with a textured feel. Depending on your preferences and requirements, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentle linear typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is easy to press and provides a pitter-patter sound when activated. Its feel is described as mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, this switch provides a relatively light typing experience. It offers a bottom-out sound characterized by a deeper and richer tone, resembling bass tones. The MX Brown switch is described as textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor White and MX Brown switches depends on whether you prioritize the linear typing experience with a soft sound profile or the subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback.
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