Cherry MX Black vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we see distinct characteristics that cater to different needs. The MX Black offers a classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, making it ideal for typists who prefer a stiff and low-pitched feel. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response with its linear action and low spring resistance, perfect for gamers looking to gain an edge with instant triggering. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches utilize nylon as the material for both the top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Additionally, the softness of nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
However, where the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Speed Silver differ is in the switch type and actuation force. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch with a heavier actuation force, providing a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch with a lighter actuation force, catering to those who prefer a faster and more responsive typing experience. Despite these differences in switch type and actuation force, the nylon housing material of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and feel, maintaining the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Speed Silver comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and actuation force. While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the Cherry MX Black offers a heavier typing experience, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a lighter and quicker typing experience. Regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the characteristics of the nylon housing material used in both switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch. The MX Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key and 80 grams to bottom out, while the MX Speed Silver only needs 30 grams of force to actuate a key with an unknown bottom out force. The MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time. However, some users may prefer the heavier feel of the MX Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the MX Speed Silver the shorter of the two switches. The MX Black offers a more traditional 4.0mm travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and what feels more natural to the user. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so choosing between them will ultimately come down to individual taste in typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched tone that is deep and mellow, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying, adding a sense of feedback to each key press. Both switches fall into the low-pitched category, but the Speed Silver's thocky sound can provide a more tactile and audible typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit more sound feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff qualities, providing a unique typing experience with noticeable friction and a higher amount of force required to press the keys. Similarly, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch also offers a textured feel, adding a sense of feedback when typing. The Speed Silver's linear action and low spring resistance, however, allow for a quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the Black switch. So, while both switches offer a textured feel, the Speed Silver's design can lead to a smoother and more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick inputs are crucial.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black switch provides a classic low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a quieter and more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch offers a thocky sound and a textured feel as well, but with a focus on rapid response and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking lightning-fast key inputs. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a heavier actuation force and a classic smooth typing experience with a deep sound profile, the MX Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value speed and rapid response, especially in gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver with its instant triggering and low spring resistance may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and specific usage scenarios when deciding between these two switches.
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