SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Meteor White is a linear switch, lauded for its gentle and subdued typing experience. Its soft sound profile and easy actuation make it ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound. While the Meteor White is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Dustproof Blue lacks specific classifications. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their individual traits will help determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
The main difference between the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Dustproof Blue lies in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor White utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties that lead to a clearer resonance. This contrast in material composition ultimately influences the sound experience when typing on each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Meteor White and Dustproof Blue differ in their appearance and functionality. The Meteor White's nylon top housing offers a more classic look and feel, while the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing is not only clear but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This makes the Dustproof Blue ideal for users looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the distinction in their top housings highlights the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound and aesthetic outcomes.
Ultimately, whether using the SP-Star Meteor White or the Outemu Dustproof Blue, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differences in their top housings - nylon for Meteor White and polycarbonate for Dustproof Blue - result in contrasting sound characteristics. Understanding the impact of material composition on sound quality and aesthetics is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to personalize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it is evident that they offer different weight profiles. The Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Dustproof Blue, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Meteor White requires 57 grams of force, which is lighter than the Dustproof Blue's 65 grams. This means that the Meteor White provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Dustproof Blue offers a medium-heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Meteor White would be the preferable choice, while the Dustproof Blue would be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces allows users to choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when typing, with neither offering a shorter or longer travel distance. The 4mm travel distance for both switches ensures that users will get consistent feedback and keypress feel regardless of which switch they choose. Whether opting for the linear SP-Star Meteor White or the clicky Outemu Dustproof Blue, users can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience with minimal variation in travel distance.
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 Dustproof 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
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is known for its gentle and subtle characteristics both in sound and feel. It provides a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. The feel of the switch is mild and polished, offering a smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information provided, it is clear that the Meteor White linear switch offers a softer and more subdued experience compared to the Dustproof Blue clicky switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, as a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider your preferences and needs when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch. If you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a moderate actuation force and sound profile, the Meteor White would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and satisfying typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Dustproof Blue may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Make sure to try out both switches if possible to determine which one fits your needs the best.