SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you may find yourself torn between two linear switches that offer unique characteristics. The Meteor White is praised for its soft and gentle feel, making it easy to push with a subtle pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance, along with a thocky sound, impeccable smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches have their own appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings are described as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings produce a unique, pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to nylon. This difference in material composition contributes to the distinct sound characteristics of each switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Meteor White and Smoothie Silver switches have different material compositions, they both aim to enhance the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver also plays a role in shaping the sound profile, adding to the unique, muted sound of the switch. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches prioritize sound quality through their bottom housings.
Ultimately, the choice between the Meteor White and Smoothie Silver switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Both switches offer distinct advantages in sound quality, with the nylon top housing of the Meteor White creating a duller, rounder sound and the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver producing a deeper, more muted sound. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a unique, pleasing sound, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Smoothie Silver is lighter in actuation force compared to the Meteor White, but the bottom out force of the Meteor White is lighter compared to the Smoothie Silver. This means that the Meteor White may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch. Both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, with the Meteor White providing a bit more depth compared to the Smoothie Silver. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Smoothie Silver due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Meteor White. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various uses and preferences. It provides a soft, pitter-patter sound when pressed, creating a gentle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, delivering a deep and satisfying thud when keys are pressed and released. This difference in sound profile allows for users to choose based on their desired typing experience, whether it be a subtle and gentle sound or a more pronounced and gratifying one. It is important to note that the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The switch is polished, providing smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Conversely, information on the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch's tactile feel is unknown. However, given its features of lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness, it can be inferred that the switch likely offers a responsive and smooth typing experience, ideal for those seeking a quick and effortless keystroke.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor White provides a gentle and neutral sound with a polished and mild feel, the Smoothie Silver delivers a thocky sound and likely offers a responsive and smooth typing experience. Choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring a satisfying performance for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a gentle linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, and a mild and polished typing experience, then the Meteor White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an all-POM switch with lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound profile, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on which characteristics align closely with your typing style and preferences.
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