Gateron CM vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron CM and the TTC Speed Silver. The CM switches break away from convention by featuring a full nylon housing, giving them a unique and bold appearance. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, these switches offer a richer and deeper sound signature, thanks to the nylon construction. With an impeccable factory lube job, typing on the CM switches is an effortlessly smooth journey that feels like gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The lengthened, dual-staged spring also adds to the experience by providing a bouncy typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches are an ideal choice for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches have a light-medium level of resistance and offer a pristine sound profile. What sets them apart is the reduced travel distance, which allows for quick and effortless actuation. While these are general pointers for choosing each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials have their own characteristics, they ultimately enhance the typing experience in different ways.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon material. This classic switch housing material ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the CM and the Speed Silver. Since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, it generates a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both switches benefit from this quality, delivering a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Therefore, in switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as the CM and the Speed Silver, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the bottom and top, resulting in a unique combination of sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM and the TTC Speed Silver switches differ in their housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The CM's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar deep and rich sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, absorptive sound or a sharper, resonant sound, each switch offers its own distinctive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer a different level of weight. The CM switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Speed Silver switch's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the CM switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Speed Silver switch has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver switch would be the more suitable choice, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter weight is beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel and appreciate a stronger push, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM switch provide a more satisfying keystroke experience.
Despite their differences, both switches offer a medium weight range for actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if one is seeking a similar result in terms of weight, either switch would be appropriate. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch boils down to the user's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Gateron CM has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the TTC Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm, the Speed Silver is slightly shorter than the CM. Gamers who prioritize fast response times might prefer the Speed Silver due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key might lean towards the Gateron CM and its slightly longer travel distance. However, it is important to note that both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to traditional options, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Gateron CM linear switch is known for its rich and deep sound signature. It produces a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range, which gives a sense of depth and richness during key presses. Additionally, the CM switch has a thocky sound, creating a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. These switches also have a low-pitched tone, adding a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use the switch at home or work. The precise sound characteristics of the Speed Silver switch are not provided, but it offers a pristine sound profile without specific emphasis on bass or other qualities.
In terms of feel, the CM switch provides a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished finish and reduced friction of the CM switch result in a sleek and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation of the CM switch makes typing feel like gliding across the keys with ease. Lastly, the frictionless quality of these switches ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Similarly, the Speed Silver switch also offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The specifics of the feel are not provided, but the polished finish of the Speed Silver switch results in a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch is known for its rich and deep sound, as well as its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound and a polished feel. While the specific sound and feel of the Speed Silver switch are not detailed, the similarities in the polished feel suggest that you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deeper, richer sound signature, the Gateron CM linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its full nylon housing and factory lube job, you can expect an effortlessly smooth typing experience, feeling like you are gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, the CM switches feature a lengthened, dual-staged spring, providing a bouncy typing sensation. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be your go-to. These switches offer a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. Moreover, the Speed Silver switches have a pristine sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and TTC Speed Silver switches depends on your preference for key force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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