Outemu Lime vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and Cherry MX Speed Silver offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Outemu Lime is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silencing properties, making it ideal for tactile enthusiasts who enjoy a feather-light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its rapid responsiveness, achieved through its full height design and low spring resistance. This makes it a perfect choice for gamers seeking instantaneous triggers for faster reaction times in competitive gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Lime and the Cherry MX Speed Silver use nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, resulting in similar typing experiences. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall, making typing on switches with nylon housing a more satisfying auditory experience.
The use of nylon in both the Lime and the Speed Silver switch housings means that they share similar qualities when it comes to sound production. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows for a more muted sound when typing, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a more pleasant sound profile. This similarity in material choice results in a consistent sound profile across both switch types, ensuring that users can enjoy a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
While both the Outemu Lime and the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, the impact of these housing materials differs slightly in terms of sound production. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience offered by both switches is quite similar due to their shared use of nylon as a housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Lime has a slightly higher actuation force of 35 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's 30 grams. However, the bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver is unknown, while the Lime requires 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the MX Speed Silver appear lighter overall, as it has a lower actuation force and an unknown bottom out force. The Lime, on the other hand, is slightly heavier with both its actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Outemu Lime. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, and selecting one would depend on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, especially in gaming. However, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Lime. While the difference may be minimal, those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the Cherry MX Speed Silver more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, catering to users who prioritize quick and efficient keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Lime switch offers a neutral and muted profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a deeper tone. Both switches can produce pleasant sound profiles depending on the rest of your keyboard setup, ensuring a satisfying typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, providing a comfortable and smooth feel during extended use. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, offering a unique tactile feedback that some users may prefer over a smoother experience. While these switches offer different typing feels, they both cater to users who prioritize comfort and ease of use during typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences to cater to different user preferences. While the Lime switch provides a lighter tactile feel and a muted sound, the Speed Silver switch offers a rapid response and textured feel for those seeking a more immediate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and a quiet typing experience, the Lime switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response time, maximum speed, and a satisfying thocky sound, the MX Speed Silver switch would be the better option for gaming. Consider how you value these different features in a switch and make your decision based on what will enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
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