SP-Star Meteor White vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both linear switches. The Meteor White switch is renowned for its gentle and subdued nature. It requires minimal force to press and emits a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', it offers a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch delights with its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it perfect for those with a delicate touch. It glides effortlessly and provides a frictionless typing experience. With its 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', and 'Muted' attributes, the Sakura Pink produces a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in terms of their housing materials. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Meteor White uses a nylon material, while the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound absorption properties. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink produces a more clear and resonant sound profile thanks to its relatively stiffer composition. Both housings share an aesthetic feature where clear housings are typically made of polycarbonate, making it useful for switches with RGB lighting.
When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, it means that the qualities associated with each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily exhibit the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when letting go of a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Everglide Sakura Pink provide unique sound experiences, tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unspecified, while the Sakura Pink requires a gentle 35 grams of force for activation. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Sakura Pink has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for an effortless keystroke. This can be advantageous for tasks that require extended periods of typing or for users who value a light and smooth keypress. In contrast, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a satisfying push feel, the Meteor White may be the preferable choice.
While the specific actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, it is worth noting that both switches offer a sharper contrast between the actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that the keystrokes are distinct and precise. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch with minimal effort may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink, while those desiring a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Meteor White.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink 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 the same 4 mm distance being covered. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 has a subdued and soft sound profile. It can be described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a more playful and poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. The Sakura Pink switch is categorized as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing sensation suitable for most users. The switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, with a seamless and effortless sensation. The switch feels easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue. It can also be characterized as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch provides a gentle and soft sound profile, with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch delivers a playful and poppy sound, with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. If you are looking for a switch with a softer and quieter sound, the Sakura Pink would be a suitable option. If you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound and a refined typing experience, the Meteor White would be a good choice. It's important to note that while these switches have different qualities, your choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is a great choice. Its soft and gentle typing experience, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it versatile for various purposes, whether you're using it at home or at work. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter actuation force and a quieter sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is perfect for you. With its buttery and creamy typing experience, these switches provide a smooth and effortless sensation, allowing for a seamless typing experience. Additionally, its muted sound profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the Meteor White and Sakura Pink switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound, and typing experience.
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