Cherry MX Brown vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is renowned for its subtle tactility and gentle typing experience, making it ideal for those who desire a quieter and more relaxed typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in providing rapid response and instant triggering, particularly suited for gamers looking to gain a competitive edge with its linear action and low spring resistance. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, one can see that both switches utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when using either switch. Therefore, in terms of sound characteristics, users can expect a similar typing experience from both the MX Brown and MX Speed Silver switches.
However, the key difference between the two switches lies in their switch speeds and actuation points. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is designed for faster gameplay and features a shorter actuation distance compared to the Cherry MX Brown switch. This means that the MX Speed Silver switch may be more suitable for gaming scenarios where quick and precise inputs are crucial. While the housing materials may be the same, the performance aspect sets the two switches apart in terms of functionality.
When considering the overall typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches may offer a different tactile feel due to their housing materials. The bottom housing, which has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will play a significant role in how each switch feels when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may be similar, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches based on their design and intended use.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams while the MX Speed Silver has an unknown bottom out force. The MX Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, making it a good balance between ease of typing and solid feedback. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer faster keystrokes with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with the MX Brown offering a slightly heavier feel and the MX Speed Silver providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The MX Brown offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a more standard key press experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance appeals to gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches offer a tactile feel, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may feel abrupt to some users compared to the MX Brown's slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Brown 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 Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch also produces a low-pitched sound, but is often described as thocky, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard frame and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can be preferred by some users for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free feel. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a personal preference that can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its subtlety, light typing experience, and gentle tactility, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid response, linear action, and low spring resistance. When it comes to sound and feel, both switches offer a low-pitched and textured experience, showcasing slight differences in the type of sound and feel they provide. Ultimately, choosing between the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches will depend on individual preferences for typing style, sound, and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and intended usage. If you prioritize a subtle tactile typing experience with gentle feedback and a medium-light bottom out force, then the Cherry MX Brown switch is the way to go. It offers a comfortable typing experience for extended periods without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and responsiveness with a linear action and low spring resistance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is the ideal choice. Its instant triggering can give you a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value tactility and comfort (MX Brown) or speed and responsiveness (MX Speed Silver) in your mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
