SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4T. The Meteor White is a linear switch, known for its gentle and easy-to-push nature, offering a soft and subdued typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that combines thockiness with sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with its bassy "thock" sound profile and assertive feedback. While the Meteor White offers a smooth and mellow typing experience, the U4T delivers a more pronounced level of feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4T switches exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize soft plastic materials in their top and bottom housing components, aiming to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Meteor White employs a classic switch housing material, nylon, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. Similarly, the U4T switch incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing referred to as "boba plastic." This distinctive material also offers a rich and deep sound profile owing to its softness.
In terms of differences, the specific materials used in the top and bottom housings vary between the two switches. The SP-Star Meteor White employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing, ensuring that both pressing down on a key and releasing it evoke the qualities of the softer material. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T utilizes a mix of materials with the Gazzew blend present in the top housing and a different material for the bottom housing. As a result, when pressing down on a U4T switch, the impact and bottom-out sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing material. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the Gazzew blend top housing.
Despite these differences, both the Meteor White and U4T switches are designed with the intention of achieving a similar outcome – a satisfying and immersive typing experience. The softness of their respective housing materials contributes to generating a deep and resonant sound profile. While the specific materials used may have slightly different qualities, typing on both switches should produce comparable results in terms of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will likely come down to personal preference and other factors such as switch weight or tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to determine their exact comparison. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams of force, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the U4T tactile switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is just slightly heavier, but still falls within the medium range.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Meteor White may be more suitable as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the U4T may be preferred.
While the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, it can be inferred that they would likely be similar since linear and tactile switches generally have comparable actuation forces. Therefore, both the Meteor White and U4T switches can be assumed to provide similar results when it comes to triggering a keystroke.
In summary, the Meteor White linear switch is lighter with a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is slightly heavier, with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more pronounced typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when selecting between these switches, as some may prioritize the lighter weight for extended use, while others may prefer the heavier force for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, as it determines the distance the switch has to travel from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a similar range of motion. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4T switches offer the same level of responsiveness 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 Gazzew U4T 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a neutral profile with a soft and gentle sound. The sound can be described as a subdued pitter-patter, providing a pleasant auditory experience that is not too loud or jarring. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile with assertive tactile feedback. This switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches fall under the thocky category, providing a pleasing auditory experience, but the U4T switch has a deeper and richer sound due to its bassy nature.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished experience. The switch provides a gentle typing sensation, making it approachable to most users. Its qualities are in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a comfortable and smooth typing experience. The U4T switch, on the other hand, provides a sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, users will feel a distinct and intense tactile bump, adding a heightened level of feedback to every keystroke. The U4T switch is known for its crisp and strong tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White switch provides a soft and gentle sound with a neutral profile, while the U4T switch offers a bassy thock sound profile with assertive tactile feedback. As for the feel, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the U4T switch provides a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the U4T switch will offer a deeper sound and a more pronounced tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a soft, gentle switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Meteor White provides a mild typing experience and has a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you desire a switch that combines a bassy 'thock' sound profile with assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be a better option for you. With a medium bottom out force, the U4T offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. It also provides a sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gazzew U4T depends on your preferred sound profile and typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a gentle and subdued linear switch or a switch with a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility. Assessing your personal preferences and needs will help you make the right decision when choosing between these two switches.
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