SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer their own unique set of characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is known for its gentle and subdued nature, providing an easy push with a soft and pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, also a linear switch, stands out for its innovative approach in reimagining traditional travel distances and factory lubing techniques. It offers a medium-weight feel with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum. While both switches share a neutral categorization, the Meteor White is deemed 'mild', 'thocky', and 'polished', while the Type A is labeled as 'subdued'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A switches utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
While both switches boast nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material varies when it comes to the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing sound profile. This differentiation in the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A allows for a balanced typing experience with attention to detail in sound production.
In essence, the similar housing materials used in the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A switches ensure a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Both switches leverage the benefits of nylon as a housing material to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether it's pressing down on the key or releasing it, the nylon housing in these switches effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a rounded sound profile, making them reliable options for users seeking quality and consistent typing performance.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is clear that the Type A is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 50 grams compared to the Meteor White's unspecified amount. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Meteor White requiring 57 grams and the Type A requiring 55 grams. This means that while the Type A may have a slight advantage in terms of requiring less force to activate a keystroke, both switches offer a relatively light bottom out force, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, with the Meteor White offering a potentially lighter typing experience and the Type A providing a slightly heavier push feel.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Type A linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches offer the same keypress feel and response due to their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the SP-Star Meteor White or the Gateron Type A linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of how they feel when typing or gaming.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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
When it comes to sound, both the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Type A switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various uses. The Meteor White switch offers a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed, while the Type A switch offers a more subdued sound, dampening the overall sound profile of the switch. Factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Type A switch is unknown. However, considering the Type A switch is positioned as a compromise for those seeking a medium-weight switch, it may offer a different tactile feel compared to the Meteor White.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White and Gateron Type A switches offer different sound profiles, with the Meteor White leaning towards a thocky sound and the Type A towards a more subdued sound. The feel of the Meteor White is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience, while information on the feel of the Type A switch is unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the specific use case for the keyboard. However, both switches are capable of providing satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, your choice may depend on your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a soft, gentle typing experience and a pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound signature and a slightly dampened sound when pressed, the Type A could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, making them suitable for various typing preferences and purposes. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
