HMX Game1989 vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Speed Silver each provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky feel, delivers a satisfying tactile experience that many users appreciate, especially for typing and general use. Its categorization as a textured and low-pitched switch promotes a sense of stability and comfort in every keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a rich auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out for its remarkable quickness and responsiveness, meticulously designed for fast-paced gaming. It boasts a lower spring resistance that allows for instantaneous actuation, making it a top choice for competitive gamers who require the utmost precision in every move. While both switches share a linear action, their distinct traits make them suitable for varied applications. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
T5
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, several key differences arise that affect their overall acoustic characteristics. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and transparent quality. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which, while also recognized as a classic switch material, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide high performance, they do so through different acoustic principles shaped by their respective housing materials.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilize nylon, leading to similar sound profiles primarily influenced by the bottom housing. As noted, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound, effectively damping vibrations and creating a smoother auditory output when bottoming out. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the difference in top housing materials — with the HMX 1989's polycarbonate offering a distinct sound on release — both switches have a consistent level of sound dampening from the nylon bottoms. Thus, a user of either switch can expect an overall rich sound experience when typing, enhanced by the shared nylon composition.
Ultimately, the differences between the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches illustrate how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can significantly influence auditory performance. The HMX 1989’s polycarbonate top provides clarity and resonance during key release, while the nylon bottom balances this with fullness when bottoming out. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver’s homogenous nylon construction presents a more muted sound experience but ensures that sound dampening remains consistent throughout typing. Users looking for a sharper release sound favored by RGB enthusiasts may prefer the HMX 1989, while those appreciating a more subdued typing experience may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver, showcasing how the interplay of materials impacts tactile and auditory feedback in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch with the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches will engage with the same amount of pressure. This similarity suggests that users looking for a light typing experience will find equivalent performance in terms of keystroke activation, making both options suitable for prolonged use during extensive typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force reveals a discrepancy: the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which denotes a slightly heavier feel when pressing the key all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its tactile feedback and resistance at full depression unclear. Consequently, while both options offer a light actuation force, the HMX 1989 presents a heavier bottom out feel, making it the better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced key press, whereas the user's preference for the Speed Silver would depend on its unspecified characteristics.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction highlights the HMX 1989 as the switch with more depth, offering a more traditional feel for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a deeper press. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, is tailored for gamers who favor a quicker response time and a more immediate actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you lean toward a more robust typing experience, the HMX 1989 would be preferable, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver serves those seeking efficiency and speed with its shorter actuation distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch has yet to be characterized, leaving it an enigma in terms of auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is recognized for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the Speed Silver delivers a deep, rich auditory response that resonates with every keystroke, reminiscent of a satisfying thud or soft knock. Such sound characteristics are appealing to many users who appreciate a more melodic and bass-heavy experience while typing or gaming, creating an engaging atmosphere during use. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the overall sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard backplate and keycaps, which further complicates sound comparisons.
Turning to the feel, the HMX 1989 switch remains unassessed, leaving its tactile feedback open to speculation. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, introducing a subtle friction during keystrokes. This slight texture can alter the typing experience, creating a distinction between presses that some users might find pleasurable, while others may prefer a smoother, more fluid action. The tactile nature of Speed Silvers caters well to gamers who thrive on responsiveness and precision but may not align with those seeking an ultra-smooth linear experience.
In summary, the HMX 1989 linear switch presents an intriguing option, particularly in terms of its sound profile, which remains undefined, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver offers a clearly defined auditory and tactile experience that caters well to quick-response gaming with its thocky sound and textured feel. If these qualities resonate with your preferences, opting for the MX Speed Silver might yield satisfying results, but the HMX 1989 leaves a mystery that could appeal to those curious about exploring new sound and feel dynamics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate a medium-light touch with a satisfying thocky sound while typing or gaming, the HMX 1989 is likely the better choice for you. Its rich audio feedback and plush feel make it ideal for enjoying every keystroke, especially if you appreciate a balance of comfort and feedback while typing or gaming at a leisurely pace. Conversely, if you're a gamer who prioritizes speed above all else, the Cherry MX Speed Silver might be more suited to your style. With its ultra-responsive actuation and minimal resistance, it enables lightning-fast key presses, making it a must-have for competitive players looking for that edge in split-second reflexes. Ultimately, assess how you use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a bit of both—and choose the switch that aligns most closely with those activities.
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