SP-Star Meteor White vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Yanyu, both linear switches. The Meteor White is best known for its gentle linear feel and soft pitter-patter sound profile. It offers a subdued typing experience and is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Yanyu is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend long hours typing. It has a crisp sound profile and is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's explore further to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the SP-Star Yanyu differ when it comes to their housing materials. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yanyu's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile. This blend creates a sound that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Therefore, the Meteor White's nylon top housing provides a deeper sound profile, while the Yanyu's blend leans towards a brighter tone.
As for the bottom housings, the Meteor White and the Yanyu also have differences. The Meteor White boasts a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on these switches a pleasant experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is pleasant and not particularly sharp, but still leans towards being brighter. Therefore, while the Meteor White offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Yanyu's blend provides a slightly brighter bottom-out sound.
When comparing the overall sound profile of the two switches, both the top and bottom housing materials play a role. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Although the materials differ, both the Meteor White and the Yanyu offer a pleasant typing experience. The Meteor White's nylon housings create a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yanyu's unique blend delivers a slightly brighter tone. Therefore, while there are distinct differences in the housing materials, both switches offer satisfying results in terms of sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, it is worth noting that both switches have a different bottom out force. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which can be considered medium-light, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter.
The actuation force of a switch is the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. Without knowing the specific values for both switches, it is difficult to compare them directly in terms of actuation force. However, it can be assumed that since the Meteor White is described as having a slightly heavier bottom out force, its actuation force may also be on the higher side compared to the Yanyu, which has a lighter bottom out force.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may choose the Yanyu switch due to its lighter bottom out force. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Meteor White switch, thanks to its slightly heavier bottom out force. This can provide a stronger push feel and may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation forces for the SP-Star Meteor White and Yanyu linear switches are not provided, their contrasting bottom out forces suggest different typing experiences. The Yanyu is lighter, while the Meteor White is slightly heavier. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the same at 4 mm. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When you press down on a key, the travel distance of these switches will provide a similar tactile feedback. Therefore, whether you opt for the Meteor White or the Yanyu switch, you can expect to get identical results in terms of 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is best known for its subdued and gentle qualities. It has a soft and easy-to-push feel, making it suitable for a comfortable typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Meteor White switch produces a gentle pitter-patter sound profile. Additionally, the sound is described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes the switch suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you are using it at home or work.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who often type for long periods. The Yanyu switch has a crisp sound profile, thanks to its material blend. It produces a satisfying sound, characterized as thocky, which can be likened to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. Like the Meteor White, the Yanyu also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various applications.
In terms of feel, both the Meteor White and Yanyu switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel, ideal for most users. The Meteor White switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is likely due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switch has a subtle resistance but maintains a light typing feel. The switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Meteor White and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, and a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Meteor White switch provides a soft and easy-to-push feel with a subdued sound profile, while the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp thocky sound. Depending on your preferences and requirements, either switch can provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a gentle and subdued typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it is easy to push and offers a pitter-patter sound. The Meteor White is described as having a neutral or thocky sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, it is categorized as mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter typing experience and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better option. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those who want a delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time. It is described as having a neutral or thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Yanyu switch is categorized as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a light and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider factors such as the intensity of typing, level of finger fatigue, and the sound you prefer, to make an informed decision.
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