SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Oil King are both excellent options to consider. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is best known for its gentle and subdued nature. With an easy actuation force and a soft pitter-patter sound profile, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King is also a linear switch that stands out for its incredibly smooth operation and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. With a low-pitched and buttery feel, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Oil King share many similarities. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is adept at absorbing sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience compared to harder plastics. Whether it's the Meteor White or the Oil King, users can expect a rich and resonant typing sound thanks to the nylon top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches diverge. While the Meteor White still utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This unique blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying and somewhat clacky typing experience. As a result, users can expect a slightly different sound and feel when bottoming out the keys between these two switches.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distinct and impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. Thus, while the materials used in these switches' housings may vary, users can still expect similar results in terms of a deep, resonant sound while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it becomes evident that there are some notable differences. The Meteor White's actuation force is unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare to the Oil King's 55-gram actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Oil King demands a slightly heavier 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight is crucial for several reasons, including typing endurance and preferences. For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the Meteor White would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming bouts. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Oil King due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a sturdy and satisfying push feel.
Although the specific actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, it is likely that it would fall within a comparable range to the Oil King, given that they are both linear switches. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation, making it a viable option for those who appreciate the feel of the Oil King but prefer a lighter overall weight.
Ultimately, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a medium-light bottom out force, while the Gateron Oil King boasts a medium-heavy bottom out force, making the Oil King the heavier of the two. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results and 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or at work. It has a gentle, pitter-patter sound that is not too loud or harsh. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound. This means that it produces a more mellow and deep tone, resembling the richness associated with bass tones. It offers a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches provide satisfying sound experiences, but with different characteristics. If you prefer a softer and more neutral sound, the Meteor White would be a good choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a bassy tone, the Oil King would be the way to go. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is easy to push and provides a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The switch is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but with different levels of gentleness and refinement. If you prefer a safer and middle-ground typing experience, the Meteor White would be a good choice. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing feel, the Oil King would be the way to go.
Taking into consideration both the sound and feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a soft and subdued experience. It offers a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing feel. These switches provide different subjective qualities, allowing users to choose according to their preference. If you are looking for a softer and more neutral sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Meteor White would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, the Oil King would be a great option. Overall, the available information suggests that both switches offer enjoyable subjective qualities, with different characteristics. However, it's important to keep in mind that other factors such as personal preference, keyboard setup, and keycaps can also influence the overall experience. By selecting either switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, providing a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and subtle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers an easy and soft typing feel. The Meteor White switch also produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, which can be categorized as both neutral and thocky, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, its mild and polished feel ensures a comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and luxurious typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a fantastic option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a slightly more substantial typing feel compared to the Meteor White. The Oil King switch delivers a dark chocolate bar snapping-like sound profile, characterized as low-pitched and bassy, providing a deep and rich auditory experience.
Overall, if you prioritize a gentle and subdued typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and luxurious typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be your ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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