SP-Star Meteor White vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, the choice comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is known for its gentle and subtle feel, with a soft sound profile that is easy on the ears. On the other hand, the Purple Star is also a linear switch but offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a very light 45g bottom-out force, making it perfect for light typists seeking ease and comfort. While the Meteor White is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their unique advantages, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Meteor White uses a nylon top and bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Star utilizes POM for both top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted compared to nylon. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer a premium typing experience with their respective sound signatures.
In terms of sound production, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White elicits a duller and rounder sound when compared to the POM top housing of the Purple Star. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound creates a richer typing experience, while the POM material gives the Purple Star a relatively more muted sound profile. However, both materials contribute to a satisfying typing feel, albeit with slightly different sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a more muted tone, both the Meteor White and Purple Star deliver exceptional performance with their unique housing materials.
While the top and bottom housings of the SP-Star Meteor White and KTT Purple Star differ in material composition, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their nylon and POM housing materials, providing users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light, while the Purple Star has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the actuation force for the Purple Star is 43 grams, while the actuation force for the Meteor White is unknown. This means that the Purple Star requires a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor White, which could potentially provide a quicker typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple Star for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Meteor White for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we can see that the Meteor White has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Purple Star has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. The Meteor White's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Purple Star's 3.5mm travel distance leans towards the shorter end, making it ideal for those who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Meteor White offering a slightly longer travel distance for those seeking a more substantial keypress feel, while the Purple Star provides a quicker response for those 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It has a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a moderate sound profile that is not too loud or too soft. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This difference in sound profile gives users a choice between a more neutral sound with the Meteor White or a deeper, richer tone with the Purple Star.
Moving on to feel, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Purple Star linear switches offer a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. The Meteor White switch provides a polished feel with smooth and refined key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Purple Star switch is easy to press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and low-impact feel for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer a gentle and comfortable typing experience with their soft sound profiles and mild typing feel. Users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with the Meteor White switch, while the Purple Star switch provides an easy-to-press option for light typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer similar qualities of comfort and ease of use.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, SP-Star Meteor White linear switches would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer an even lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Purple Star linear switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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