SP-Star Meteor White vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which belong to the linear switch family. The Meteor White is renowned for its gentle linear characteristics, providing a soft and easy push and emitting a subtle pitter-patter sound profile. This switch is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is favored by those who prioritize a speedy and precise typing experience. These switches offer a light-medium resistance and a pristine sound profile, with the added benefit of reduced travel distance for quick and effortless actuation. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, these switches are ideal for those seeking swift responsiveness. However, let's venture beyond these generalities and explore the finer details to determine the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 the TTC Speed Silver switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Meteor White's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer material that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. If RGB lighting is a consideration, the translucent polycarbonate is especially advantageous. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Meteor White and the Speed Silver switches feature nylon bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches are likely to deliver a similar sound experience when it comes to their bottom housings.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities brought by each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the keys are released. Though differing in composition, both the Meteor White and the Speed Silver switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to individual preferences. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches provide options that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the differences between the two become apparent. The Meteor White has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Speed Silver's 45-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Meteor White measuring at 57 grams and the Speed Silver at 55 grams. In terms of weight, the Speed Silver is lighter due to its lower actuation force. This lighter weight may be preferred by those who desire longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Meteor White's actuation force would provide a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium-light range for bottom out force, providing similar results in terms of typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor White has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Meteor White with its 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a balanced key press feel. On the other hand, the Speed Silver with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance caters to those seeking faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. However, it is worth mentioning that shorter travel distances may feel more abrupt to some users. Therefore, the choice between the two switch options ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prioritize responsiveness, the Speed Silver is the way to go, but if you prefer a deeper key press, the Meteor White with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 is best described as having a neutral sound profile with a gentle, pitter-patter sound. It produces a subdued sound that is not overly loud or clicky, making it suitable for a variety of settings, such as home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch also has a neutral sound profile. While the specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, it can be assumed that it offers a pristine sound profile, indicating a clean and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches fall within the neutral sound spectrum, providing a moderate sound experience suitable for different preferences and environments. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Speed Silver linear switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the switches have a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches allow for a comfortable and approachable typing experience that is suitable for most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The combination of a mild feel and a polished surface ensures that typing on these switches is enjoyable and comfortable.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound experience suitable for various purposes. Additionally, both switches offer a mild typing experience with a smooth and polished finish, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable keypresses. While specifics about the sound and feel of the switches may differ, overall, users can expect similar results from both the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Speed Silver linear switches. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is easy to push and provides a pitter-patter sound when pressed. The Meteor White switch falls into the category of a neutral switch, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings, whether it be at home or work. Additionally, it offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. This switch has a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it equally light and ideal for quick and effortless actuation. The Speed Silver switch also falls into the neutral switch category, suitable for users of different skill levels and usage scenarios. It provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, your decision between the SP-Star Meteor White and TTC Speed Silver linear switches will ultimately depend on your preferred typing experience. If you value a gentle and soft feel with a subdued sound profile, opt for the Meteor White switch. However, if you prioritize speed, precision, and a pristine typing experience, go for the Speed Silver switch.
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