SP-Star Meteor White vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Meteor White is best known for its subdued nature, offering a gentle typing experience with a soft pitter-patter sound profile. This switch is easy to push, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, providing a visually appealing option. It boasts a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, ensuring reliable performance. While both switches share a polished finish, the Meteor White is often described as neutral and mild, while the Strawberry is low-pitched and frictionless. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more pronounced and vibrant sound experience. If RGB lighting is a priority, the Strawberry's translucent polycarbonate top housing is particularly advantageous.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Meteor White and the Strawberry also contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Meteor White employs a nylon bottom housing, which complements the softer and absorbent nature of nylon. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances the overall sound by creating a sharper and crisper profile. In terms of aesthetics, a clear housing is more likely to be polycarbonate, making it an appealing choice for those who want to showcase RGB lighting.
When both the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the bottom-out sound and the sound upon key release. Pressing down on the switch will primarily reflect the qualities of the bottom housing, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key. These differences in housing materials allow users to choose the switch that best suits their preferred sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Meteor White switch has an actuation force that is unknown, while the Strawberry switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White switch requires 57 grams of force, which is considered medium-light, while the Strawberry switch requires 62 grams, which is classified as medium.
Considering weight is an important factor when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact typing experience and overall comfort. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Meteor White switch, as its bottom out force is lighter compared to the Strawberry switch. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it a suitable choice for professional environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the KTT Strawberry switch, which has a higher bottom out force. This provides a greater sense of resistance and feedback while typing.
While the actuation force for the Meteor White switch is unknown, it is important to note that the actuation force primarily affects the initial trigger of a keystroke. If both switches have similar actuation forces, irrespective of the exact values, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Meteor White offering a lighter feel and the KTT Strawberry providing a stronger push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, and this is what you feel when you press down on a key. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, the travel distance is recorded to be 4 mm. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it can be observed that both switches have an identical travel distance. So, if you were to use either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance they travel. In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 soft and gentle sound profile. It is best characterized by a pitter-patter sound, which is quiet and subdued. This switch does not have any distinct characteristics such as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" like a thocky switch would. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Although both switches offer different sound profiles, they both provide a quiet and pleasant typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a quieter switch, either the Meteor White or the Strawberry would give you similar results.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its mild characteristics, this switch provides a gentle and approachable typing experience that suits most users. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring that the typing feel is not too pronounced or harsh. Additionally, the switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel and reduced friction. Likewise, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience. It is designed to minimize resistance or friction when pressing the keys, offering a fluid and effortless travel. Similar to the Meteor White, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. So, whether you choose the Meteor White or the Strawberry, you can expect a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
Based on the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry linear switches can be compared in terms of their sound and feel qualities. The Meteor White offers a soft and gentle sound profile with a pitter-patter sound, while the Strawberry has a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Meteor White offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Strawberry provides a frictionless, silky, and polished experience. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Meteor White falling in a safe middle-ground zone and the Strawberry focusing on minimizing resistance and friction. If you prefer a quiet switch, both options would deliver similar results. Ultimately, choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry linear switch would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is an excellent choice if you prefer a softer typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers a medium-light actuation force. The Meteor White is known for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, it offers a neutral and thocky profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch, with a bottom out force of 62 grams, offers a medium actuation force. It is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry switch features a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, it offers a frictionless, silky, and buttery experience, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Strawberry switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
Mentioned in this article
