SP-Star Meteor White vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Oreo. The Meteor White is a linear switch that offers a gentle and easy push, resulting in a soft and subtle typing experience. Its sound profile is described as a gentle pitter-patter. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium light tactility. The sound profile of the Oreo is subtle and mellow. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may be appealing to different users. 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
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Oreo differ significantly. The Meteor White features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer and more sound-absorbent nature of nylon. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency.
While the housing materials of the Meteor White and the Oreo produce distinct sound profiles, both options are suitable for creating a satisfying typing experience. The soft and sound-absorbent nylon of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate of the Oreo offers a sharper and crisper sound, providing a more precise and vibrant typing feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing sound, both options can deliver satisfactory results.
When it comes to the impact on the overall typing experience, the difference between the top and bottom housing materials becomes apparent. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, in switches with different top and bottom housing materials, pressing down on the switch will primarily exhibit the qualities of the bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound profile will be influenced more by the top housing. Considering this, the distinct nylon and polycarbonate properties of the Meteor White and Oreo, respectively, will be felt differently during both keystrokes and key releases.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor White and Everglide Oreo utilize different housing materials that result in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of nylon in the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate offers a crisper and sharper sound. The difference between the top and bottom housing materials further differentiates the two switches, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound upon key release. Nonetheless, both switches provide satisfactory results depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Meteor White's actuation force is unknown, while the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Oreo's bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter feel may find the Oreo tactile switch more suitable, as it allows for extended typing and gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Meteor White linear switch, with its potentially heavier actuation force. However, since the exact actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, it is challenging to ascertain how different it is from the Oreo in terms of overall force required for triggering keystrokes. Nonetheless, both switches fall within the medium-light category, providing a balance between effortless typing and a satisfying tactile experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same result.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a soft and gentle sound profile. It is described as having a subdued sound, with a pitter-patter sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a quiet and mellow sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a more unique acoustic signature. It is described as chirpy, with a little squeak to them. This sets these switches apart from others and adds a subtle and distinctive sound when typing. Overall, the Meteor White provides a soft and gentle sound, while the Oreo has a slight squeak to enhance the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the category of a mild switch, which means it provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a safe and middle-ground typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a noticeable tactile bump at the top of the keystroke, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switch also falls into the category of stepped switches, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds to the overall comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a soft and gentle sound with its subdued pitter-patter sound profile, while the Oreo has a chirpy sound with a little squeak to enhance the typing experience. Similarly, the Meteor White offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a medium level of tactility with its accented tactile feedback and stepped switch design. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
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 switches would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches offer a medium-light actuation force that is easy to push. The Meteor White switches are described as having a pitter-patter sound profile, creating a soothing sound when typing. In terms of feel, they are considered mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. These switches are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light tactility that strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. They are described as having a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. When typing on these Oreos, you can expect a subtle and mellow sound profile. In terms of feel, they are considered accented and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor White linear switches and the Oreo tactile switches comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a gentle and soft typing experience with a subdued sound profile, go for the Meteor White switches. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a crisp bump and cushioned feel, go for the Everglide Oreo switches. Both options offer medium-light actuation force, making them suitable for most users and environments.
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