SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Silent Ink Black are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The Meteor White, a linear switch, is best known for its gentle and subdued nature. With an easy push and a pitter-patter sound profile, this switch provides a soft type feel and a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch, stands out for its silenced feature, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a smooth and muted experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ significantly. The Meteor White switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch features a proprietary INK blend top housing by Gateron, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The INK blend creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as being clacky. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Meteor White with its nylon top housing provides a deeper tone, while the Silent Ink Black with its INK blend top housing offers a sharper and more prominent sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both employ nylon materials. This makes them similar in their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. As nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches exhibit these qualities in their bottom-out sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the top housing of a switch has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, so this is where the differences between the Meteor White and Silent Ink Black switches become apparent.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different top housing materials. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Additionally, both switches share a similar bottom housing material of nylon, leading to a deeper sound when pressed. Therefore, if a user is seeking a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Meteor White would be the preferred choice, while those looking for a sharper and clackier sound would prefer the Silent Ink Black.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly heavier push to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, whereas the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that pressing the keys all the way down on the Silent Ink Black requires more force compared to the Meteor White.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In this regard, the Meteor White linear switch may be more suitable due to its medium-light bottom out force. However, there are those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and desire a stronger push feel. For them, the Silent Ink Black linear switch would be a better choice, as it has a heavier actuation force.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches differ. The Meteor White is lighter in terms of bottom out force, while the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Meteor White offering a lighter typing experience and the Silent Ink Black providing a more substantial, heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the sensation felt when a key is pressed. In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. Consequently, users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness with 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 comparing the sound of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences. The Meteor White is best described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. It produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound, which can be described as soft and subdued. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, designed for quieter typing environments. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, creating a muted sound that minimizes the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White and Silent Ink Black switches have some similarities. The Meteor White provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black is also described as having a polished finish, contributing to a refined and smooth typing experience. It offers a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile experience.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White offers a soft and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile. It also offers a polished and silky feel, enhancing the smoothness of typing. While their subjective qualities differ, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences. Choosing between them depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the typing environment.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is a great option for you. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making it easy to push and offering a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. The Meteor White switch falls under the category of a muted switch, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It also offers a mild typing experience, which is approachable and suitable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Meteor White switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a pillow-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a cushioned typing experience with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it suitable for environments that require quieter typing. It falls under the category of a neutral switch, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a muted sound profile.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Consider the specific characteristics and advantages offered by each switch to determine which one best suits your needs.
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