SP-Star Meteor White vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Silent Red. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is best known for its gentle and subdued nature. With an easy push and a soft pitter-patter sound profile, this switch offers a type feel that is both smooth and comfortable. On the other hand, the Silent Red is also a linear switch but is more focused on delivering a seamless typing experience without all the noise. Perfect for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Reds have a muted sound profile and a consistently smooth feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. While these general pointers give an overview of the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects.
The housing materials for the bottom housing of both switches, however, are the same. Both the Meteor White and Silent Red switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As with the nylon top housing, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings also elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, including the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housing materials of the Meteor White and Silent Red switches result in contrasting sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, while the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor White. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight aspect, the Meteor White is lighter than the Silent Red in terms of bottom out force. This lighter bottom out force could be advantageous for those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience and need to type for longer periods, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they may lean towards options with heavier forces, like the Silent Red.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown and the Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams (medium-light) compared to the Silent Red's 63.5 grams (medium-heavy). Thus, those using the Meteor White may experience a lighter touch while typing, while those using the Silent Red may have a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Red is shorter compared to the Meteor White. A travel distance of 4 mm is more in line with the traditional standard, offering a familiar depth to the keystrokes. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red provides a slightly shallower feel. This can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or keystroke depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 can be described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of noise during keystrokes, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in different environments such as home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it a great option for office or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. It is important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a gentle and non-intense feel, making it approachable to most users. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its typing characteristics. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can lead to a sleek and comfortable typing experience. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Meteor White, it also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer subjective qualities that make them appealing options in the mechanical keyboard market. In terms of sound, the Meteor White has a neutral sound profile, while the Silent Red has a muted sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. While they differ in their sound profiles, the overall typing experience provided by both switches is similar in terms of comfort and approachability. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and requirements, such as desired noise level and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is easy to push and offers a subdued typing experience. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. The sound profile of the Meteor White is described as neutral or thocky, providing a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a consistent and padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. The sound profile of the Silent Red is muted, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise can be disruptive.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor White offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Red is also described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Silent Red linear switches comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a gentle and soft typing experience with a pitter-patter sound (Meteor White) or a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile (Silent Red). Both switches offer their own advantages and are suitable for different environments and preferences. So, choose the one that best aligns with your needs and enjoy the superior typing experience it provides.
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