SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Blue. The SP-Star Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle feel and soft pitter-patter sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicking sound with each press. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Blue, we see that the Meteor White features a nylon top housing while the Blue has a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic difference is also notable as the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Blue allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, we find that both the Meteor White and the Outemu Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that typing on switches that use either of these materials will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect consistent typing experiences in terms of sound profile from both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Meteor White and the Outemu Blue housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic. While the Meteor White offers a softer, deeper sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Outemu Blue provides a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. Whether one prefers the duller and rounder sound of the Meteor White or the clear and resonant sound of the Blue, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these housing materials will depend on the user's individual sound and lighting preferences when it comes to mechanical switches.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams for a key press to bottom out, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Meteor White lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force compared to the Blue. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Meteor White, which allows for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users can achieve similar results depending on their preference for lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so users can expect similar results when typing or gaming with either switch.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and purposes. The gentle, pitter-patter sound produced by this switch is soothing and not intrusive. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The smooth finish and reduced friction of this switch result in a comfortable and refined keypress. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is unspecified, making it hard to directly compare the two switches in terms of typing experience. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Meteor White switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing feel.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch seems to excel in both sound and feel qualities, offering a soft and soothing typing experience with a moderate sound profile. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch are unknown, it is likely that the Meteor White switch would provide a more universally appealing typing experience for newcomers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific intended use case for the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force and subdued feel make it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience with a louder sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch would be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the Blue switch does not have a specified bottom out force, but it is known for its clicky feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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