SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle and easy-to-push feel, offering a soft and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a different typing experience, although specific details about its feel and sound profile are not mentioned.
When deciding between these two switches, some general pointers to consider are that the Meteor White may be preferable for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Crystal Brown may appeal to individuals who enjoy a tactile feel while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
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
The main difference between the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Crystal Brown is the material used for the top housing. The Meteor White's top housing is made of nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's top housing is made of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature. This contrast in materials leads to a different typing experience with each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and Crystal Brown utilize nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of the switch you choose, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel at the bottom housing level. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a certain level of sound quality and typing satisfaction.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom in these switches allows for a unique typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice between the Meteor White and Crystal Brown not only impacts the overall sound profile but also the specific aspects of sound production during typing. The contrast between the nylon top housing of the Meteor White and the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown offers users the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it becomes evident that they both fall into the medium-light category. The Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keystroke activation, while its bottom out force is 57 grams. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown requires 45 grams of actuation force and 55 grams of bottom out force. While the Crystal Brown is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a similar typing experience with a medium-light feel.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer lighter actuation forces may opt for the Crystal Brown switch, allowing for longer typing periods and gaming sessions without fatiguing. On the contrary, users who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Meteor White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The 4mm travel distance of both switches allows for a smooth and consistent typing experience. Having the same travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and response when using either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Crystal Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound characteristics provided, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key travel. This switch falls into a safe middle ground in terms of tactility, making it approachable for most users. Meanwhile, the Crystal Brown switch's tactile feel is not specified, leaving it unclear how it compares to the Meteor White in terms of typing experience.
Considering the information provided, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a softer and more subdued sound profile compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which lacks specific details on sound and feel. However, without detailed information on the Crystal Brown switch, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison. In general, both switches may offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Meteor White likely providing a softer sound and smoother key travel. It is essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is important to assess your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a soft and gentle typing experience with a light actuation force and quiet sound profile, the Meteor White may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump for feedback while typing and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Crystal Brown could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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