Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, there are a few options to consider. Two popular choices are the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The MX Black, known for its iconic smoothness, offers a familiar deep sound profile and is best suited for those who prefer a low-pitched, textured, and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is perfect for individuals who prioritize speed and precision. With a lighter resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches provide a neutral, mild feel with a polished sound profile. While these general descriptions give a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper into their characteristics so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and TTC Speed Silver switches differ in their composition. The MX Black uses nylon as its housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, when it comes to aesthetics, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the top housing materials of the MX Black and Speed Silver switches differ, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing material. This consistency in material ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
The housing materials of both switches play distinct roles in the overall sound produced. The bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. The MX Black's nylon bottom housing and top housing create a consistent deep and full sound experience. Conversely, the Speed Silver's combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing offers a contrast in sound. The softer nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound during bottom-out, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound upon key release. This showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall audio feedback of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the MX Black requires more force to trigger a keystroke initially. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the MX Black has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for those who prefer a heavier force. On the other hand, the Speed Silver offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. While the MX Black is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, the Speed Silver provides a medium-light touch throughout. Therefore, depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the heavier and more substantial MX Black or the lighter and more comfortable Speed Silver for their keyboard needs.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have different travel distances. The MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the MX Black the longer option and the Speed Silver the shorter option.
A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a deeper key press and a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Speed Silver is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the Speed Silver with its 3.4 mm travel distance would be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, the MX Black with its 4 mm travel distance would be more suitable. It's important to consider your own typing style and preferences when deciding between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 switches are known for their low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a deep, bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches have a more neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are described as textured and stiff. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed and require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. Some users prefer this subtle texture and the added resistance it provides. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild and polished feel. They provide a more gentle typing experience and have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them approachable to most users and offers a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the Cherry MX Black and TTC Speed Silver switches have distinctive subjective qualities. The MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, while the Speed Silver switches have a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two options. However, if you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound, the Speed Silver switches can provide a moderate sound profile that should satisfy most users. Similarly, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the polished feel of the Speed Silver switches can offer a comparable experience to the textured feel of the MX Black switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavy switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the better choice for you. These switches offer a classic typing experience with their iconic smoothness and distinctive low-pitched sound. However, if you prioritize speed and precision, and prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more mild, polished feel, then the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the perfect fit. With their reduced travel distance and light-medium resistance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. Additionally, the Speed Silver switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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