SP-Star Meteor White vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Kailh Sage 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 Kailh Sage. The Meteor White is a linear switch, known for its gentle and subdued nature. With an easy push and a soft pitter-patter sound profile, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch stands out with its distinct clicky typing experience. It has a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. While the Meteor White provides a softer feel and sound, the Sage offers an invigorating and crunchy sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Kailh Sage switches have distinct differences. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, while the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal. Despite these dissimilarities, both materials are considered classic switch housing materials and result in a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and the Sage switches employ nylon as their choice of material. This consistency in housing materials highlights its effectiveness in eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic characteristic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it is the Meteor White or the Sage, the bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound experience, creating a deep and satisfying typing sound.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will have an impact on different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the choice of materials for the top and bottom housings can contribute to the overall typing experience, and the combination of nylon and polycarbonate or nylon for both housings can result in a balanced and enhanced sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we find some notable differences. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light. In contrast, the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter feel would lean towards the Meteor White switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. This makes it a suitable choice for users who require a keyboard for work or enjoy marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience would lean towards the Sage switch with its heavier bottom out force. This offers increased resistance and a more deliberate keystroke action.
While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is worth mentioning that a similar actuation force in either switch would yield similar results. In such a case, individuals seeking a lighter or heavier typing experience could still be satisfied by choosing the appropriate switch based on the bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the Meteor White and the Sage switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Meteor White falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sage offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which some gamers prefer for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quicker feedback and responsiveness, the Sage would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced keypress, the Meteor White with its longer travel distance could be the more suitable choice. Both switches offer their own advantages, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience desired.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 provides a gentle and subdued experience. It has a soft pitter-patter sound profile, which can be described as neutral or thocky, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience. The sound it produces is crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a softer and more subdued sound, the Meteor White will deliver, while the Sage will provide a more pronounced and clicky experience.
Moving on to feel, the Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable feel, thanks to its safe middle-ground zone qualities. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating and sharp feel. It provides pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The Sage switch has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Overall, if you prefer a more gentle and polished feel, the Meteor White switch is a great choice, while the Sage switch will give you a more invigorating and sharp typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a gentle, subdued, and soft sound profile, while the Sage offers a distinct clicky experience with a crunchy sound. In terms of feel, the Meteor White delivers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Sage provides an invigorating and sharp feel. Depending on your preference, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired sound and feel. However, keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, and it's best to try different switches to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you prefer a soft and gentle typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White is the right choice for you. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making it easy to push. The Meteor White is best suited for those who prefer a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you crave a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage is the switch for you. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The Sage is ideal for those who enjoy crunchy keyboard switches that sound like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.
To summarize, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is recommended for a soft and subdued typing experience with a moderate actuation force, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch is recommended for a heavy and clicky typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback. Consider your personal preferences and the desired sound and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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