Cherry MX Brown vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Speed Silver. Each switch offers a unique typing experience and has its own set of advantages. The MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is perfect for those who value speed and precision. These linear switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. 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
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 Cherry MX Brown and TTC Speed Silver switches exhibit significant differences in their housing materials. The MX Brown switch features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and generates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that offers a more clear and resonant sound. If you are interested in RGB lighting, the translucent polycarbonate top housing is especially advantageous.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and Speed Silver switches utilize nylon. This common choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the properties of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the overall experience. Conversely, when you let go of a key, the top housing material will play a more prominent role in determining the sound produced.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Speed Silver switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, they diverge greatly in their choice of top housing materials. The MX Brown's nylon top housing is known for creating a duller and rounder sound profile, whereas the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in material properties ultimately result in distinct auditory experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that when typing or gaming, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the amount of pressure needed to fully press down. The weight of the switches is worth considering for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for these switches as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may prefer heavier options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Brown offers a deeper and more pronounced feeling when pressing down on a key, whereas the Speed Silver provides a slightly shallower experience.
Having a shorter travel distance can be beneficial for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The reduced distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming situations. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more hearty key press, the MX Brown with its longer travel distance would be a better choice.
Overall, the travel distance of a switch can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience. Depending on personal preferences and specific needs, individuals can choose between the MX Brown with its 4 mm travel distance for a deeper feel, or the Speed Silver with its 3.4 mm travel distance for a slightly shallower and faster response.
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 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 switches are known for their subtlety. They provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The sound produced by MX Browns can be described as bassy and low-pitched. The lower frequency range gives them a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches have a neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the MX Brown switches are textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The smooth and refined finish of the Speed Silver switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make them suitable for most users, as they fall within a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Speed Silver switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Brown switches provide a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. They also have a textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a fast and precise typing experience with a neutral sound profile. They have a mild feel with a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the one for you. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. The MX Brown switches also offer a textured feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In terms of sound, they have a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the better choice. These switches also have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a similar typing feel to the MX Brown switches. However, the Speed Silver switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. They are known for their pristine sound profile, described as neutral, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user.
Ultimately, your decision between the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Speed Silver switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a more subtle and textured feel with a deeper sound profile, go for the MX Browns. If speed and precision are your priority, along with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Speed Silvers are the way to go. Consider your typing style, preferences, and intended use case to make an informed decision.
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