SP-Star Meteor White vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Duck. At first glance, these switches may seem similar, both falling under the 'Neutral' and 'Mild' categories. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart. The Meteor White is a linear switch, offering a soft and easy-to-push typing experience. Its gentle, pitter-patter sound profile adds to its overall subdued nature. On the other hand, the Duck is a tactile switch, providing a more subtle typing experience with its gentle tactility. The sound profile of the Duck switch is clean and crispy, offering a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference. However, let's dive deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Duck differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor White utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because the relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the contrary, the Duck features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the Duck's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those using RGB lighting due to its translucency, allowing for enhanced visual effects.
While the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Duck employ different housing materials, their similarities lie in the fact that both materials have distinct sound characteristics. Despite the variations, nylon and polycarbonate are both classic switch housing materials known for their impact on sound profiles. Whether it is the nylon top housing of the Meteor White or the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck, pressing down on the switch will provide a notable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the qualities of the respective top housing material. Although differing in sound outcomes, both switches offer distinct and desirable sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Duck differ due to their housing materials. The Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings do not allow for translucency, thus limiting the visual appeal in terms of RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Duck feature a clear composition, making them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual impact of the lighting, creating a more vibrant and dynamic keyboard experience. Therefore, while the sound profiles may differ between the two switches, the Duck offers an additional visual advantage for those seeking a visually striking keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light, while the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is also medium. Since the actuation force is unknown for both switches, it is difficult to directly compare them in terms of their actuation forces.
In terms of weight, the lighter option is generally preferred by those who desire longer typing durations, making it suitable for professionals bringing their keyboard to work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. Although it is unclear which switch is lighter or heavier based on the provided information, it can be inferred that the difference in bottom out forces between the Meteor White and the Duck is minimal, with both switches falling within the medium range.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and SP-Star Duck tactile switch are unavailable, the provided information indicates that both have similar bottom out forces, which are medium in weight. Thus, it can be expected that users will have comparable results in terms of the forces required for keystrokes with these two switches.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance for both of 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 subdued and gentle sound profile. It produces a soft and pitter-patter sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a clean and crispy sound profile. The sound produced is gentle and adds a subtle touch to the typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. However, the Meteor White can also produce a thocky sound, giving it a deeper and more satisfying sound when compared to the Duck switch.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish, along with reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensures a sleek typing sensation. Similarly, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish. It provides a buttery keystroke experience, implying a smooth and fluid typing sensation. The switch offers seamless and effortless key presses, ensuring uniform and comfortable typing.
Considering all the available information, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. Both switches have a soft sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. The Meteor White switch produces a thocky sound when pressed, adding a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish. They provide reduced friction, smooth key travel, and an overall sleek typing sensation. Therefore, if you are looking for a subdued and gentle linear switch, the Meteor White switch would be a great choice. And if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switch would be perfect. Overall, these switches provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle, soft linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor White switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an easy-to-push feel and a gentle sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Meteor White switch has a neutral and thocky sound that provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck switch is the perfect option. It offers a gentle tactility while typing and provides a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switch also has a neutral feel with a mild and buttery typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the Duck switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your decision between the Meteor White and Duck switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a soft linear switch with a gentle sound profile, go for the Meteor White. If you prefer a tactile switch with a subtle typing experience and clean sound, the Duck is the way to go. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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