SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4 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 Gazzew U4. These switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Meteor White is a linear switch, offering a smooth and easy keystroke with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. It provides a soft and subdued typing feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that delivers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when pressed. It offers a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, enhancing the typing experience further. Additionally, the U4 boasts a whisper-quiet sound profile, perfect for those who desire a quieter workspace. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best-informed decision on the ideal switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4 switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize a soft housing material to enhance the sound profile of the typing experience. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Similarly, the U4 switch incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," which also offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, using either switch will provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound quality.
While the top housings of both switches share similar characteristics, the bottom housings differ between the two. The Meteor White employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material's softness absorbs more sound, creating a distinct sound signature. On the other hand, the U4 switch utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which is also soft and enhances the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing's impact is more prominent when pressing down on the switch, providing a unique tactile experience.
Despite their differences, both switches offer an engaging typing experience with their housing materials. While the nylon housing of the Meteor White may create a slightly rounder sound profile, the Gazzew blend housing of the U4 produces a similarly rich and deep sound. Both switches utilize soft materials that absorb sound effectively, resulting in a satisfying sound profile regardless of the specific housing material. Whether it be the Meteor White or the U4, typists can expect high-quality sound and enhanced typing experiences thanks to the thoughtfully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are a few key differences. Firstly, the Meteor White has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while the U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the U4 requires a slightly lighter touch to activate a keystroke compared to the Meteor White, potentially providing a quicker typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White has a force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. This indicates that the U4 provides a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down compared to the Meteor White.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the U4, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This can be beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, others may prefer the heavier feel of the Meteor White, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that the Meteor White has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Meteor White the option for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, whereas the U4 offers a slightly shallower experience. It is worth noting that a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.6 mm is on the shallower side. However, it is important to consider personal preferences when deciding between the two options. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the U4 a potentially more suitable choice for this purpose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial depth.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate and versatile sound that is suitable for various purposes. It offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound when pressed and released, giving it a soft and subdued overall sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its whisper-quiet sound profile. It is classified as a muted switch, which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The U4 U4 also has a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It has a safe and middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, providing a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile bump. With each keypress, users can distinctively feel the strong and crisp tactile feedback. This gives the U4 a more exhilarating and pronounced tactile feel compared to the Meteor White.
Considering all available information, it is clear that the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a gentle and subdued sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a softer sound. Its feel is mild and polished, offering a safe and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, paired with a whisper-quiet and low-pitched sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for a softer sound and a polished typing experience, the Meteor White would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a sharper and more intense tactile feel with a quieter sound, the Gazzew U4 would be a better option. However, it is important to note that the overall sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it would be a great choice if you prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience. With its medium-light bottom out force and gentle linear feel, this switch is easy to push and offers a soft pitter-patter sound profile. It falls within the neutral sound category, producing a moderate and satisfying thocky sound when pressed. Additionally, the feel of the Meteor White is described as mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be a suitable option if you desire a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. With its medium bottom out force, this switch offers a distinct and intense feedback with each keypress. It has a whisper-quiet sound profile, falls within the muted category, producing a softer and low-pitched sound compared to regular switches. The U4 provides an unexpectedly plush bottom-out sensation, adding to its overall tactile experience.
Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Take into consideration the characteristics described for each switch and how they align with your preferences.
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