SP-Star Meteor White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor White and Aflion Thunder Shadow present two distinct options for discerning users. The Meteor White is a linear switch, offering a gentle and easy push with a soft sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch known for its pronounced bump and medium weight feel, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. While the Meteor White is characterized by its subdued and polished nature, the Thunder Shadow stands out for its invigorating tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone due to the softer nature of nylon. However, the Meteor White stands out with its nylon top housing, which further enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience.
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on the switches. While both keyboards share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housings differ significantly. The Meteor White's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more high-pitched typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the Thunder Shadow.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch can have different impacts on the typing experience depending on the material used. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, the bottom housing, which is nylon for both keyboards, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing, nylon for the Meteor White and polycarbonate for the Thunder Shadow, will affect the sound when releasing a key, with the Thunder Shadow offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Meteor White's duller and rounder sound. Overall, the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Meteor White is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 57 grams, compared to the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine if one is lighter or heavier in this aspect. The Meteor White's lighter bottom out force may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to press down fully. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's slightly heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on individual preference for typing feel and the desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Meteor White offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different tactile feedback due to their varying travel distances, with the Meteor White potentially feeling smoother and the Thunder Shadow feeling more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using the switches at home or in a work environment. The Meteor White switch is further characterized as having a thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, while the Thunder Shadow switch's sound signature complements its tactile bump and medium weight feel.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle touch, suitable for most users due to its approachable qualities. The switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is labeled as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor White switch provides a softer and more gentle typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Thunder Shadow switch delivers a more pronounced tactile bump and invigorating feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can cater to different typing styles and user preferences. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, ensuring a premium mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a gentle linear switch with a softer sound profile and a medium-light bottom out force, the Meteor White would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow might be the better option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more subdued and soft typing experience with the Meteor White or a more invigorating and tactile feel with the Thunder Shadow. Consider your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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