SP-Star Meteor White vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Piano, both linear switches. The Meteor White is characterized by its gentle and subdued nature, making it easy to push and producing a soft pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano switches from Durock are praised for their proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Meteor White offers a gentle and soft typing experience, the Piano switches deliver a frictionless and silky feel. However, to make the best decision for your needs, let's delve into a deeper analysis of these switches beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Piano differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Meteor White features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing.
The nylon top housing of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend top housing also offers a satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. Both materials contribute to enhancing the typing experience but provide slightly different sound characteristics.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White and the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano have distinct properties that impact the overall switch performance. The softer nylon material in the Meteor White absorbs sound vibrations, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the proprietary POM blend in the Piano is designed to create a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although specific information about the blend is unavailable. These different bottom housing materials contribute to distinct characteristics in the way the switches feel and sound when activated.
While the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the SP-Star Meteor White and Durock Piano differ, they both aim to enhance the overall sound profile and typing experience. The nylon and POM blend materials share the common goal of providing a satisfying and deep sound when typing on the switches. Their differences lie in the specific qualities they bring to the switch performance, such as the rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing compared to the satisfying and deep sound profile offered by the POM blend top housing. Despite these distinctions, both keyboards are designed to deliver a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force is unavailable for both switches. However, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be classified as medium-light. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. In this aspect, the Meteor White may be more suitable due to its lower bottom out force. However, others may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Piano switch with its higher bottom out force would be a preferable choice.
Although the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, a similar result can be achieved by adjusting the typing technique and applying consistent pressure. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier weight feel while typing.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the Meteor White or the Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 provides a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The sound can be described as a gentle pitter-patter, offering a soft and subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch produces a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the richness and depth associated with bass tones. Overall, the Meteor White offers a more neutral and subdued sound compared to the Piano switch, which provides a deeper and richer sound experience.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone and provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, these switches are often polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Meteor White switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. This switch minimizes any resistance or friction when pressing the keys, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Piano switch takes it to the next level with its frictionless and silky qualities.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch offers a soft and gentle sound profile with a more neutral and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature with a frictionless and silky typing feel. If you are looking for a switch with a more subdued and approachable sound and a comfortable yet refined typing experience, the Meteor White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a richer and bassier sound and an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, the Piano switch would be a better option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, selecting the right combination can help you achieve similar results to the desired switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a pitter-patter sound profile and a neutral or thocky sound depending on your preference. The Meteor White switch also provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. The Piano switch is known for its proprietary material blend that enhances the overall typing experience, creating a bassy sound profile. It offers a frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and Durock Piano switches depends on your desired typing experience in terms of force, sound, and feel.
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