SP-Star RedBlue vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The RedBlue switches are celebrated for their medium-light typing experience and low-pitched sound profile, making them an ideal choice for users seeking a smooth, quiet keystroke that emphasizes speed and precision—perfect for gaming enthusiasts or those who prefer a more subdued workspace. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a tactile bump that adds a satisfying feel with each keystroke, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback during their writing sessions. While both switches boast advantages—ease of typing for the RedBlue and tactile satisfaction for the Weightlessness—choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star RedBlue and the Gateron Weightlessness switches embody distinct approaches to housing materials that significantly affect their acoustic profiles and overall typing experiences. The RedBlue switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates with clarity. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness contributes to an articulate sound production, which is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a crisper typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting setups, making the RedBlue a desirable choice for gamers and lighting enthusiasts alike.
In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, introducing a markedly different auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound, which results in a duller and rounder auditory output. This quality can be appealing for users who prefer a more muted typing sound or who seek comfort during prolonged usage sessions. The aesthetic dynamics are also less visually striking in terms of RGB compatibility, as nylon housings typically lack the translucency required to effectively diffuse and showcase lighting effects.
While the two switches feature different materials in their housings, it is important to consider how these differences play out in practice. For both the RedBlue and Weightlessness, the impact of the respective top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile can be experienced distinctly. The crashes and releases of key presses will carry the characteristic notes of their individual materials, with the RedBlue offering a clear and bright top-end sound when releasing the key, in contrast to the Weightlessness's more subdued sound. Ultimately, each type of switch caters to different user preferences, whether one favors a crisp and sharp sound or a deeper and rounder auditory feedback, showcasing the nuances that varying housing materials can impart.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, some notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue features a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorized as medium-light, while its actuation force remains unspecified. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch has a clear actuation force of 50 grams but lacks a specified bottom out force. This means that while the RedBlue provides a substantial feeling when bottoming out, the Weightlessness offers a lighter actuation that may appeal to those who favor a more effortless typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Weightlessness can be considered the lighter option due to its 50-gram actuation force, while the SP-Star RedBlue is the heavier switch based on its bottom out force. Consequently, those interested in prolonged typing sessions may find the Gateron more suitable, while those who prefer a firmer feedback could lean toward the RedBlue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the SP-Star RedBlue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This means that the RedBlue switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for its hearty depth. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to appeal to gamers who favor faster response times for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value the depth of a longer travel distance or the quick actuation of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch delivers a distinctively low-pitched and thocky tone. This characteristic results in a deeper, richer auditory feedback that can be satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more subdued yet resonant sound when typing. The neutrality of the sound profile makes it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a workplace, allowing for an engaging typing experience without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch lacks specific sound descriptors, suggesting it may have a more subtle sound profile that isn't as defined as the RedBlue's.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle resistance while typing, making them approachable for both beginners and experienced typists. The polished nature of these switches enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, ensuring minimal friction and a sleek feel. On the other hand, while the Weightlessness switches are described as offering a tactile feedback, they do not have specific descriptors detailing the quality of that feedback. Therefore, while they may provide some tactile sensation, their exact feel in comparison to the RedBlue switches remains unclear.
Overall, both the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch seem to serve different preferences among typists. The RedBlue's low-pitched thocky sound and mild yet polished feel cater to those who appreciate a lightweight typing sensation with satisfying acoustics. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback, but without specific descriptions, it's hard to evaluate their sound or feel comprehensively. Those looking for a more expressive typing experience might lean toward the RedBlue, while the Weightlessness could offer a subtler alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the intended usage environment. If you appreciate a medium-light typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the RedBlue switch will likely be your go-to. Its low-pitched sound profile creates a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. However, if you prefer a tactile feedback that enhances the typing engagement without being overly pronounced, the Weightlessness switch could be tailored for you. Although its specific bottom-out force is uncertain, its subtle to moderate tactile feel can provide a delightful typing experience while remaining versatile for various tasks. Therefore, consider what matters most to you: if you lean towards fluid keypresses with a pleasant sound and feel, opt for the RedBlue, but if a gentle tactile bump during your keystrokes is more aligned with your style, then the Weightlessness will serve you well.
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