SP-Star Meteor White vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options available to suit individual preferences. Two popular choices that we will be comparing and contrasting are the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches. The Meteor White switch is best known for its subdued and gentle characteristics, offering an easy push and a soft pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. The Meteor White switch falls under categories such as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', while the Wine Red switch can be categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. These general descriptions provide a good starting point for understanding the switches, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Wine Red differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they create. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, giving users a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, providing typists with a distinct and precise auditory feedback. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting because its translucency enhances the illumination effect.
Moving to the bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White complements its nylon top housing by creating a consistent sound profile that elicits a deeper and fuller tone. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows it to absorb more sound, contributing to a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer characteristic of polycarbonate plastic results in a more pronounced and resonant sound when keys are pressed down. Although the bottom housing does not have a direct impact on the sound when keys are released, it still plays a role in the overall sound profile of the switch.
In summary, while both the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Wine Red utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, they provide distinct sound profiles. The Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate top and bottom housings generate a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches offer notable typing experiences, with the Nylon providing a more muted and rounded sound and the polycarbonate delivering a clearer and resonant sound. If a consistent sound profile across the entire switch is desired, it is recommended to choose either the Meteor White for a deeper tone or the Wine Red for a sharper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Meteor White measuring 57 grams and the Wine Red measuring 55 grams. However, their actuation forces differ, with the Meteor White having an unavailable gram measurement and the Wine Red requiring 44 grams of force for actuation.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch may be more suitable as it has a lower actuation force. This would allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Meteor White switch, as its actuation force is unknown but likely higher than the Wine Red.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference. For those who prioritize weight and lighter typing, the Wine Red switch would be a suitable choice. For individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, the actuation force of the Meteor White switch might provide the desired tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, giving similar typing results in that regard.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The travel distance determines the feedback and tactile response experienced while typing or gaming. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness from both the Meteor White and Wine Red switches, as they share the same travel distance.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. It produces a soft and gentle "pitter-patter" sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. It is described as "bassy" with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This switch produces a more pronounced and satisfying sound compared to the Meteor White. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. Its type feel is easy to push, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, it is described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish leading to a sleek typing experience. This smoothness and reduced friction result in smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no information available about the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
Based on the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a soft and gentle sound profile along with a mild and polished type feel. It is a great option for those looking for a subdued and approachable experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a more pronounced and satisfying sound profile, characterized by its deep and bassy tones. Although the feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown, both switches can offer similar results in terms of softness and smoothness due to their linear nature. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and potentially other factors.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile and an easy-to-push type feel, then the Meteor White would be a great choice for you. The neutral sound profile and mild type feel make it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or at work. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light type feel, then the Wine Red switch would be more to your liking. The bassy sound and low-pitched characteristics provide a satisfying typing experience. However, keep in mind that there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Wine Red switch. Ultimately, the decision boils down to the specific qualities you are seeking in a keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
