SP-Star Meteor White vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. On one hand, the Meteor White is renowned for its gentle linear feel and soft, pitter-patter sound profile. With a categorization of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', this switch is easy to push and provides a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy type feel, thanks to a 22mm long spring. The combination of a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and orange nylon bottom housing creates a slick, frictionless typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the factory-lubed Orange switch ensures refined and smooth key travel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange switches are quite different. The Meteor White has a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Orange has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, clear housings are typically made of polycarbonate, making it ideal for switches that require RGB lighting.
When comparing the top housings of the two switches, the difference in material becomes evident. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a duller and rounder sound, as it absorbs more sound due to its softness. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Orange creates a clearer and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it more suitable for switches that will be used with RGB lighting.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the switches also exhibit differences in sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, due to its stiffness. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced with the bottom housing, while the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange switches differ in their housing materials. The nylon housing of the Meteor White provides a softer and more absorbent sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Orange creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, if both switches have the same housing material for both the top and bottom, similar sound profiles can be expected.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the exact measurement for the Meteor White is unavailable, while the Orange requires 46 grams. Both can be considered in the medium-light range, but the specific value for the Meteor White remains unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Orange's 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category for bottoming out.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel may benefit from either switch, as both fall within the medium-light range. This lighter weight allows for extended typing or longer gaming sessions without causing fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, choosing options with heavier forces would be ideal. In this case, the Meteor White may be a slightly better choice compared to the Orange, as it has a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual user preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Meteor White has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Orange switch might be the better choice. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt, and they may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision 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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 is best known for its soft and subdued qualities. It offers a gentle and easy-to-push typing experience with a soft pitter-patter sound profile. This switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and approachable feel, offering a safe and middle-ground typing experience. With its polished finish and factory lubing, it ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its bouncy type feel. It features a 22mm long spring, which provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and responsive feel. The Orange switch also boasts a frictionless typing experience with smooth and effortless key travel. It produces a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This results in a satisfying and deep sound when the keys are pressed and released. Thanks to its excellent factory lubing, the Orange switch ensures a slick and frictionless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange linear switches offer unique qualities. The Meteor White provides a soft and gentle typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Orange offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience, the Meteor White switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you want a bouncier and more responsive typing experience with a mellower sound, the KTT Orange switch would be a great option. Overall, both switches offer smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a refined and fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch offers a medium-light actuation and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Its sound profile can be described as neutral or thocky, providing a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch is mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a better fit for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, this switch offers a slightly lighter actuation compared to the Meteor White. Its sound profile is low-pitched, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Orange switch is bouncy and frictionless, providing a spring-like feedback and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Orange linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider what type of typing experience you prefer and the sound profile that appeals to you the most. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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