Gateron Melodic vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed and instant triggers. While the Gateron Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Cherry MX Speed Silver is characterized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique attributes that cater to different preferences and use cases. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, where they differ is in their top housings - the Melodic uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different audio experience compared to the Melodic.
While both switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housings and how they affect the sound profile, the differences in their top housings can lead to distinct typing experiences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With the Melodic, the impact of the top housing is felt more when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharp, crisp sound profile created by the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver allows for a deeper and fuller sound on both the press and release of a key, thanks to the nylon top housing. These contrasting qualities give each switch a unique typing experience based on the balance of the top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Speed Silver play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. The clear and resonant sound of the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing differs from the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a similar duller and rounder sound profile, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings create distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch has an actuation force of 30 grams, with no information provided on the bottom out force. This indicates that the MX Speed Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Melodic switch. The actuation force on the Melodic switch is unspecified, so it is not possible to determine which switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, it can be assumed that the MX Speed Silver switch would provide a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences, with some users favoring a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions and others preferring a heavier force for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic switch. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver can provide a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Melodic switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Melodic offering a longer travel distance and the MX Speed Silver providing a shorter travel distance for quicker responses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp tones reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering deep, rich notes and a bass-heavy tone for a satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer distinct profiles that can enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive feel. In comparison, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as textured, potentially providing noticeable friction when pressed. While some users may prefer this subtle texture for added tactile feedback, others may lean towards a smoother, friction-free typing experience offered by different switches.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a clicky switch that provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, the Gateron Melodic switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a thocky and low-pitched sound accompanied by a textured feel for enhanced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, ensuring that you'll get satisfying results based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and instant response without any bottom out force, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be more suitable. Consider the sound profiles and typing sensations described for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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