SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Meteor White is praised for its gentle linear feel and subtle sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a soft typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° sets itself apart with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that promise unparalleled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction. While both switches offer linear actuation, the Meteor White leans towards a mild and polished feel, while the Zero Degree 0° focuses on silent typing and elasticity. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Meteor White and Zero Degree 0° switches differ in terms of their housing materials. The Meteor White utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, creating a softer and fuller sound profile due to the material's absorption of sound. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile with more clarity and resonance. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch.
Despite their differences, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature and sound absorption properties. When comparing the sound and feel of the switches, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This shows that even with variations in housing materials, certain qualities can still be consistent across different switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Meteor White's nylon housing offers a softer and rounder sound profile, while the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and clearer sound experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and aesthetics, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an overall exceptional typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Zero Degree 0°, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the actuation force of the Meteor White is not specified, while the bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. Typically, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions and smoother key presses, while a heavier actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the preference of the user in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Zero Degree 0°. The 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in feel and performance. The Meteor White offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for those who prefer quicker key presses, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired feel of the switches.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to provide a silent typing experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, absorbing sound and reducing noise significantly. While the Meteor White switch has a softer and more subdued sound, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on achieving unparalleled smoothness and stability in typing.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined key press. The feel of this switch falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a broad range of users due to its approachable qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's feel is not explicitly described in the information provided. However, given its focus on smoothness and stability, it can be inferred that this switch prioritizes a consistent and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor White switch emphasizes a softer sound profile and a more gentle typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch prioritizes silent typing and stability. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Keep in mind that both switches can provide similar results in terms of performance and overall satisfaction but with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences. If you value a soft, gentle linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, the Meteor White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with unparalleled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction, the innovative design of the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron may suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
