SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. The Meteor White offers a subdued typing experience with a gentle linear feel and a soft pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility while producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches offer their own appeal in terms of 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 and the Outemu Red Panda have distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is beneficial aesthetically for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Although different, both materials contribute to enhancing the sound experience while typing, albeit with varying characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and the Red Panda utilize nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers similar benefits to both switches. It elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softness and sound absorption properties. Thus, regardless of the switch, typing on nylon bottom housing will provide a consistent experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
When comparing the two switches as a whole, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel. As the top and bottom housings differ between the Meteor White and the Red Panda, their respective qualities will be distinct. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will exert more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound characteristics, as the different housing materials contribute differently to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Red Panda's force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Red Panda has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, also classified as medium.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Meteor White as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for options with heavier forces, such as the Red Panda.
Although the actuation force for the Meteor White is unknown, if it is similar to the Red Panda's 50 grams, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Despite this, the slight difference in their bottom out forces suggests that the Red Panda may provide a slightly more tactile and firm typing experience compared to the Meteor White. Overall, the Meteor White is likely to be the lighter option while the Red Panda is slightly heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Meteor White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Meteor White is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a familiar feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Red Panda is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, which is popular among gamers. It is important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt, so if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing the keys, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial feel.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 subdued and gentle experience. It has a soft pitter-patter sound profile, giving a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or obtrusive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. This results in a more pronounced and satisfying sound profile compared to the Meteor White.
In terms of feel, both switches fall under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience. The Meteor White switch provides a safe and approachable feel that is suitable for most users. Its characteristics are well-balanced and fall within the middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing experience. The Red Panda switch has similar qualities, offering a mild tactile experience that is gentle on the fingers.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have distinct sound and feel qualities. The Meteor White switch offers a softer and more subdued sound, suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Its feel is mild and approachable, providing a comfortable and safe typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch has a more pronounced and satisfying sound, with a light-medium amount of tactility. Its feel is also mild, making it a comfortable option. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Meteor White providing a softer and more subdued experience, while the Red Panda offers a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a gentle and soft typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force and easy-to-push nature, it offers a subdued and pitter-patter sound profile. This switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. It falls into the category of a neutral switch in terms of sound, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. Additionally, the Meteor White is described as having a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Outemu Red Panda is worth considering. It has a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Meteor White, but still falls into the medium range. When typing on the Red Panda, you'll experience a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda is also classified as a thocky switch, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a linear switch with a soft and gentle feel, along with a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Meteor White would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a thocky sound profile, the Red Panda would be a better fit for you. Consider your typing preferences and the desired sound and feel to make an informed decision between these two switches. In the end, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Red Panda offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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