SP-Star Meteor White vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Meteor White provides a subtle and smooth keystroke, accompanied by a gentle sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and easy-to-push switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out with its deep and resonant sound, thanks to its all-POM housings. The pronounced tactile feedback and unique design of the Olive create a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out feel. While the Meteor White is described as 'Neutral' and 'Mild', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented' and 'Invigorating'. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Bsun Olive have distinct differences in terms of the sound profile they create. The Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the nylon material absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top and bottom housings generate a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound produced.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Bsun Olive share a similar goal of enhancing the typing experience through the sound profile they create. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Meteor White work together to produce a more subdued and full sound, while the POM top and bottom housings of the Olive create a deeper and unique sound profile. In terms of user experience, both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience that is influenced by the characteristics of their respective housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Bsun Olive will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The nylon housing of the Meteor White may attract those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM housing of the Olive may appeal to those seeking a more muted and unique typing experience. Both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile, making them both viable options for users looking for a tactile and pleasing typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play crucial roles in determining the typing experience. The Meteor White has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in comparison to the Olive switch, which requires 45 grams of force to actuate. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams, while the Olive switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Meteor White provides a smoother and lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Olive switch offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. The Meteor White's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth when typing. On the other hand, the Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, offering a quicker response time for tasks such as gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific needs of the user.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 is known for its neutral and thocky sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement with a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant, deep sound due to its all-POM housings, providing a unique tactile feedback with a sharp bottom-out. The Olive switch stands out for its pronounced tactile bump that adds to the auditory experience, while the Meteor White offers a softer and more subdued sound overall.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, offering a more pronounced and tactile typing sensation. The Olive switch emphasizes the tactile aspect of the typing experience, while the Meteor White focuses on a smooth and refined typing feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor White provides a softer and more subdued typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Olive switch delivers a more tactile and pronounced typing sensation with a resonant and deep sound. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a gentler and smoother typing experience or a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Bsun Olive tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a softer typing feel or a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
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