SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Grey present distinct options for different preferences. The Meteor White is a linear switch characterized by its gentle actuation and soft sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and quiet operation, catering to those who enjoy a satisfying yet noiseless keystroke. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different users based on their preferences for feel and sound. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey, we can see that the Meteor White features a nylon top housing while the Silent Grey boasts a polycarbonate top housing. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to functionality.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, both the Meteor White and the Silent Grey feature nylon bottom housings. Again, the nylon material enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, having a nylon bottom housing for both switches maintains a level of continuity in the typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
It is crucial to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of selecting the right materials for each part of the switch to achieve the desired sound profile and typing sensation. Whether it be the nylon top housing of the Meteor White or the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is key to customizing your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Meteor White is the lighter option, while the Silent Grey is the heavier one. The actuation force of the Meteor White is None grams, meaning it is extremely light, while the Silent Grey requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light, whereas the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Meteor White geared towards those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, and the Silent Grey offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key travel with both of these switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other when it comes to travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a standard key 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 Silent Grey 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 neutral and thocky sound profile that is gentle and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience without any specific sound descriptors provided. Depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard and keycap choices, the Meteor White may be preferred for its subdued and soft sound, while the Silent Grey may be chosen for its silent operation.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined key press. This switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it directly compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch is known for its gentle and subdued sound profile, as well as its mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch is praised for its quiet operation and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that the user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a gentle, soft, and quiet typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the Meteor White would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a highly tactile and satisfying typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, along with quiet operation, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a soft and gentle typing feel or a pronounced bump with a quiet keystroke. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for a more enjoyable and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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