SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience. The Meteor White is known for its gentle linear feel and pitter-patter sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for a soft and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch. While the Meteor White is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Gateron Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Smoothie both use different housing materials for their switches: nylon for the Meteor White and POM for the Smoothie. These materials result in distinct sound profiles, with the Meteor White offering a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM housing creates a unique, deeper sound that is more muted. While both materials provide a pleasing typing experience, the Meteor White may offer a rounder sound compared to the Smoothie's deeper tone.
When examining the bottom housing of the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Smoothie switches, both utilize the same materials as their top housing counterparts. The bottom housing's role in impacting the overall sound profile and typing experience cannot be overlooked. The nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White contributes to the switch's deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie maintains its unique, muted sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience for users looking for specific sound profiles in their switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Smoothie switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Meteor White's nylon housing offers a fuller and softer sound, the Smoothie's POM housing provides a unique, deeper tone. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience for users seeking a switch with a distinct sound profile. Whether one prefers a rounder sound or a more muted tone, both options have their own strengths and characteristics to consider.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Meteor White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preferences. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who prefer a more traditional and deeper feel may opt for the Meteor White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying. Both switches deliver a unique auditory experience, with the Meteor White being softer and more gentle, while the Smoothie offers a richer and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard it is mounted on and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle ground. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke experience, with a smooth and fluid sensation that enhances typing comfort. The Smoothie switch stands out for its effortless and uniform typing feel, while the Meteor White switch offers a refined and sleek typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, providing users with satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each offer their own unique qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Meteor White switch is known for its soft and subdued sound profile paired with a gentle and polished typing feel, the Smoothie switch excels in delivering a thocky and low-pitched sound along with a buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke experience. Whether you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound or a rich and bass-heavy tone, or if you prioritize a mild and polished typing feel over a buttery and silky sensation, both switches provide excellent options to cater to different preferences in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which switch aligns best with your preferences.
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