SP-Star Meteor White vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for those seeking a linear switch are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Sea Glass. The Meteor White switch is known for its gentle and soft feel, making it easy to push and resulting in a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, accompanied by a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches have their unique qualities, offering different typing experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Sea Glass, it is clear that they have both similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon as their top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material is relatively softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Sea Glass switch's top housing is a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. This suggests that while both switches have nylon top housings, the Sea Glass may produce a slightly sharper sound compared to the Meteor White.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the SP-Star Meteor White employs nylon, just like its top housing. This bottom housing material contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Durock Sea Glass has a bottom housing made of a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This unique blend brings about a sound profile that is very pleasing, without being overly sharp. Comparatively, the bottom housing materials for both switches provide a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall performance of a switch. The bottom housing has a stronger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the typing experience as you press down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Sea Glass, the general principles of nylon bring about similar results in terms of sound profiles and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Meteor White's actuation force remains unknown, while the Sea Glass requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This suggests that the Sea Glass may have a slightly lighter touch when it comes to initial activation. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, indicating a medium-light level of resistance, while the Sea Glass requires 62 grams, suggesting a medium level of resistance. Therefore, the Sea Glass linear switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force but a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Meteor White. However, since both switches fall within the medium range of bottom out force, users can expect similar results when it comes to typing experience and overall sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of force required for typing. Some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sea Glass for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the more robust push feel provided by the Meteor White for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Meteor White's 4 mm distance. This slight difference may not seem substantial, but it can have a notable impact on the typing experience. The Meteor White falls into the more traditional travel distance range at 4.0 mm, providing a familiar and comfortable feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.8 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, particularly favored by gamers for its quicker response times. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt, and in such cases, the longer travel distance of the Meteor White may be a more suitable choice, offering a sense of depth and solidity when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is best known for its subdued and gentle nature, both in terms of sound and feel. It offers a soft, pitter-patter sound profile that can be described as neutral and thocky. The keypresses produce a deep and satisfying sound, resembling a deep thud or soft knock. In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined feel. These qualities make it approachable for most users, as it strikes a safe middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct typing experience. The proprietary material blend of the Sea Glass switches gives them a unique dryness, wispiness, and airiness, while maintaining their smoothness. Despite having a 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and offer a frictionless typing experience. They create a uniquely hollow sound signature when typing.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch provides a soft, neutral, and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in both sound and feel, with a frictionless and hollow sound signature. While they may have their unique characteristics, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the choice between the two can result in similar results, as they both excel in providing a smooth and gentle typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and subdued typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom-out force of 57 grams, it offers a medium-light actuation force that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The Meteor White switch is known for its mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a switch that produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, the Meteor White switch also offers a thocky sound profile.
On the other hand, if you are drawn to a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in terms of typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium actuation force. Despite this, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. They offer a uniquely hollow sound signature when typing. The Sea Glass switch is described as mild, frictionless, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a comfortable and reduced finger fatigue experience during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience with a thocky sound profile, or a distinct and weightless typing experience with a unique hollow sound. Both switches offer their own advantages and will enhance your typing experience in different ways.
Mentioned in this article
