Cherry MX Red vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique advantages worth considering. The MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is known for its rapid response and maximum speed, making it ideal for gamers who rely on lightning-fast reactions to gain a competitive edge. While the MX Red offers a textured and low-pitched typing experience, the MX Speed Silver boasts a similar profile with added thocky feedback. 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
N/A
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
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 Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that the typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel will be quite similar between the two switches. Nylon, as a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housings. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound that is appreciated by many users.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, there may still be subtle differences between the Cherry MX Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches. If the top and bottom housings are indeed the same material, the impact of each housing on the typing experience could still vary. The bottom housing is said to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances could potentially lead to variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver offer a comparable typing experience due to their similar nylon housing materials. The deeper and fuller sound profile elicited by these nylon housings creates a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a quieter and more muted sound. While there may be subtle differences in how the top and bottom housings impact the typing experience, the use of nylon in both cases ensures that users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, requiring only 30 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams. This difference means that the MX Speed Silver may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for faster typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. This means that the experience of pressing all the way down on the keys will likely be similar for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with some opting for the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver and others preferring the heavier actuation force of the MX Red for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red 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. The MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the MX Speed Silver, making it a bit more traditional in this aspect. Gamers may prefer the MX Speed Silver for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantive key press may find the MX Red more appealing due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red 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 Red for $4.00.
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, both the Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are described as producing a satisfyingly deep and rich "thocky" sound that is low-pitched, creating a bass-heavy tone when pressed and released. The choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors can also influence the overall sound profile.
In terms of feel, both the MX Red and MX Speed Silver switches are described as having a textured or scratchy feel when pressed, providing users with a tactile sensation that some may prefer for its distinct feedback. This texture can add to the overall typing experience and potentially enhance typing accuracy.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches have some similarities in sound and feel, the MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the full-height design of the MX Speed Silver, which is optimized for rapid response. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for feel, sound, and the specific gaming or typing experience desired. Rest assured, both switches offer a high level of performance and reliability, ensuring that users can expect consistent results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your primary use case. If you are looking for a more traditional typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant responsiveness, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is the way to go. Both switches offer a satisfying thocky sound and have a textured feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Evaluate your needs and preferences carefully to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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