Durock Medium Tactile vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver offer two distinct experiences for users. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response and linear action, perfect for gamers seeking ultimate speed and precision. While the Medium Tactile excels in providing a tactile feel, the Speed Silver prioritizes quick and effortless key presses. 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
65g
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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. However, the top housing of the Medium Tactile is made of polycarbonate, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing also makes it more translucent, allowing for better RGB lighting effects compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver.
In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a more clear and resonant sound, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The impact of each housing material is felt differently, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence when releasing a key.
While the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may have differences in their top housing materials, both switches ultimately offer a good typing experience with unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing provides a more sharp and clear sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who enjoy a more muffled typing experience. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a varied and customizable typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not listed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams, providing a lighter touch for typing. However, its bottom out force is not specified. Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Speed Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the Durock has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Durock being longer and the Cherry MX Speed Silver being shorter in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience that can be satisfying to some users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as producing a thocky and low-pitched sound, which can be deep and rich, adding to the overall typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall feel of using a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a balanced tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This combination of characteristics can offer a comfortable typing experience for those who prefer a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is mentioned as having a textured feel, indicating that there may be noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can provide a different tactile sensation compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, catering to users who prefer a slightly rougher feel.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced and polished tactile experience with a jelly-like sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing or gaming experience, knowing that they will get distinct results based on the features of each switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, you should consider your priority between tactility and speed. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback and a balanced typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice with its medium-heavy bottom out force and accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response and instant triggering in your gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Speed Silver with its linear action and low spring resistance would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and specific needs in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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