SP-Star Meteor White vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Silent Brown. The Meteor White is a linear switch known for its subdued nature. It is easy to push and offers a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is its muted sound profile. While both switches offer their unique advantages, such as the gentle feel of the Meteor White and the satisfying bump of the Silent Brown, it's important to go beyond these generalities and delve deeper into the characteristics to determine which switch would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Silent Brown switches have distinct differences that impact their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, polycarbonate, being relatively stiffer, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the use of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and Silent Brown switches employ nylon as their housing material. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, it elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. As a result, both switches create a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In this aspect, the nylon bottom housing remains consistent for both switches, showcasing similar qualities and impact on the overall typing experience.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Silent Brown switches differ, their bottom housings both utilize nylon. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown yields a sharper and crisper sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches offer similar results with their use of nylon, contributing to a duller and rounder sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will heavily depend on personal preference regarding the desired sound profile and aesthetic with regards to RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Meteor White is currently unknown, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category, while the Silent Brown is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enhance their typing endurance, which is especially beneficial for long work or gaming sessions. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, a stronger push feel is desired, making heavier force options more suitable. In this case, the TTC Silent Brown would provide a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Meteor White.
In instances where the actuation force is unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Meteor White would offer a lighter bottom out force, while the Silent Brown would provide a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference in travel distance may seem minimal, it can impact the overall typing experience. The Meteor White, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper key press, which some individuals may find more satisfying and comfortable. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking a more responsive typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Meteor White offering a deeper and more traditional feel, while the Silent Brown provides a slightly shallower and potentially faster response.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer a soft and gentle sound profile, with the Meteor White leaning towards a more neutral tone and the Silent Brown providing a quieter experience.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This is due to either high-quality materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience. It provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This ensures a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch also has a polished finish, further enhancing its sleek and refined feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a soft and gentle sound profile, with the Meteor White having a more neutral tone and the Silent Brown providing a quieter experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. They also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, as well as the specific requirements and preferences of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a soft and gentle feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers a medium-light resistance that is easy to push. Additionally, it provides a subtle and pitter-patter sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying tactile bump and a slightly heavier resistance, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump. It also features a muted sound profile, perfect for minimizing noise. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Silent Brown switches depends on your preferred feel and sound profile.
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