SP-Star Meteor White vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Meteor White and SP-Star RedBlue are two options worth considering. The Meteor White switch is best known for its gentle linear design, providing an easy push and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. The RedBlue switch, on the other hand, offers a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches fall under categories such as "neutral," "mild," "thocky," and "polished." These general characteristics can guide your decision-making process. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star RedBlue switches differ in both their top and bottom housings. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, while the RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relative stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. While the top housings of these switches have distinctive properties, the Nylon and polycarbonate combination in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon and the clear and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate.
The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently depending on the specific action. When pressing down on either the Meteor White or the RedBlue switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Since the bottom housing is made of nylon for the Meteor White and polycarbonate for the RedBlue, the resulting sound profiles will differ. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the top housing, which is responsible for the sound when releasing a key, has more influence on the sound profile. Therefore, the contrasting properties of the nylon and polycarbonate top housings will provide distinct sound experiences when releasing keys.
Although the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star RedBlue switches differ, they share a common quality when it comes to the sound profile. Both switches, with their respective nylon and polycarbonate compositions, elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon and the clear and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housings, typing on either switch will result in a duller and rounder sound, thanks to the nylon housing, and a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to the polycarbonate housing. Therefore, users can expect similar sound experiences from both switches, with slight variations based on the specific housing materials in use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches, we find that both switches have an actuation force of unavailable grams. This means that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke for these switches is not known. However, in terms of the bottom out force, both switches have a force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch will find both the Meteor White and RedBlue options suitable. A lighter switch allows for longer periods of typing without causing strain and is ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces of both the Meteor White and RedBlue switches are not provided, so it is difficult to determine which switch would be heavier in terms of force required for keystrokes. However, it can be concluded that the actuation forces for both switches are similar or unknown, resulting in comparable results for users who value a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, both switches 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 feel a consistent distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the travel distances of the Meteor White and RedBlue switches are equal, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of the feeling when typing on keys equipped with either of these switches.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most users. Both switches fall within the neutral descriptor, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. However, the Meteor White has a softer sound profile compared to the RedBlue. It gives a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, both the SP-Star Meteor White and RedBlue linear switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Their characteristics lie in the safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White and RedBlue linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White has a softer, pitter-patter sound profile compared to the RedBlue, which has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. If you're looking for a switch with a similar result, both the Meteor White and RedBlue linear switches fall within the neutral descriptor, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, this medium-light switch is easy to push and offers a pitter-patter sound profile. It is best suited for those who prefer a subdued and mellow typing experience. The sound profile of the Meteor White can be described as neutral or thocky, providing a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed. Additionally, the feel of the Meteor White switch is mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is the perfect choice. With the same bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches are designed for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. The RedBlue switch produces a relatively higher-pitched sound compared to the Meteor White, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The feel of the RedBlue switch is also mild and polished, ensuring a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use these switches at home or at work, both options provide a safe and versatile middle-ground zone.
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