SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle and subdued feel, offering a soft typing experience with a quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is also a linear switch, but lacks any specific standout characteristics. While the Meteor White may be favored for its gentle tactile experience, the Silent Ocean maintains a more neutral profile. 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
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
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 SP-Star Meteor White switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users. While both housing materials have unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound and aesthetic preferences of the user.
On the bottom housing front, both the Meteor White and the Silent Ocean switches feature nylon housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches comes down to personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a clear, resonant sound, these housing materials cater to a range of user preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch differ significantly. The Meteor White switch has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Ocean switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Silent Ocean switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottoming out compared to the Meteor White switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Silent Ocean switch, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Meteor White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience, providing consistent tactile feedback and keypress responsiveness. Therefore, whether you choose the SP-Star Meteor White or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 Ocean 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 sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It also has a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. It is also described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in this regard.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch stands out for its gentle and subdued linear feel and soft pitter-patter sound profile, appealing to users looking for a comfortable and quiet typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remain unknown, based on the available information, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and potentially sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a gentle, subdued sound profile with a soft feel, the Meteor White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and are not concerned with sound profile or typing feel, the Silent Ocean might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.