SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are clear distinctions to consider. The Meteor White is characterized by its gentle linear feel, easy actuation, and soft sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a tactile bump for feedback during typing, but falls short in providing distinct characteristics. While the Meteor White is perfect for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Milk Tea may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile feedback. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Milk Tea housing materials lies in their sound profiles. The Meteor White, with its nylon top and bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top and nylon bottom housing provide a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. This contrast in sound profiles shows how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Meteor White and Milk Tea housing materials share a similar characteristic in their ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softness of the nylon material used in both switches, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound while typing on switches that utilize either the Meteor White or Milk Tea housing materials. This shared quality highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
One key factor to consider when comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Milk Tea is how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when letting go of a key. This split between top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as users can feel and hear the differences in sound and feel depending on which part of the switch is being engaged.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we see that the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is not specified. This means that the Meteor White is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Milk Tea requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, allowing for longer typing periods with less strain. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel and force required for a keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation regardless of which switch they choose. However, it is worth noting that both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to other switches with longer travel distances. This may result in a quicker and more responsive typing experience for users who prefer a shorter 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 Milk Tea 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 subtle pitter-patter sound profile, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown at this time. The Meteor White's sound profile falls under the category of neutral and thocky, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. As for feel, the Meteor White switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Milk Tea switch is currently unspecified. Overall, if the sound and feel qualities are the same for both switches, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard used and the keycaps installed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when making a choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a soft, gentle linear switch with a neutral sound profile and mild typing feel, then the Meteor White may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with an unavailable bottom out force, it may be best to opt for the Milk Tea if its characteristics align with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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