Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Black, both linear switches. The MX Speed Silver is designed to provide unparalleled speed and responsiveness, ideal for gamers seeking lightning-fast reactions. With its linear action and minimal spring resistance, this switch is perfect for those who value quick keystrokes to gain a competitive edge. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch doesn't offer any particular standout feature but is known for its reliability and durability. It may appeal to users looking for a straightforward and consistent typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 comparison between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Black housing materials reveals a significant difference in their top housing materials. While the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Outemu Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This stark contrast in sound profiles and aesthetic properties showcases the impact that top housing material can have on the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the comparison of the bottom housing materials for the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Black reveals a similarity in the use of nylon for both switches. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This similarity suggests that despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share a common characteristic that influences the typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent sound profile that is duller and rounder, ultimately contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch highlights how each component contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of typing. The qualities of the top housing material primarily influence the sound when a key is released, while the qualities of the bottom housing material impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Understanding the specific characteristics of each housing material, whether it be nylon for a softer sound profile or polycarbonate for a crisper sound profile, allows users to choose switches that align with their preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams compared to the Outemu Black's 65 grams, making it more responsive to light touches. However, the Outemu Black has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on weight preferences, with the MX Speed Silver being lighter and the Outemu Black being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Black linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver switch is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black switch may provide a more satisfying and substantial key press for some users. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key travel, with the MX Speed Silver being more suited for quick, light typing and gaming, while the Outemu Black provides a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 Speed Silver switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Black switch. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, providing a tactile experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Conversely, there is no provided information on the tactile feedback of the Outemu Black switch. The presence of texture on a switch can be a personal preference, with some users enjoying the additional tactile sensation while others prefer a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in rapid response and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick keystrokes. Its sound profile is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone, while the textured feel adds a tactile element to typing. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Black switch is limited, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, if the Outemu Black switch shares similar characteristics with the Cherry MX Speed Silver, users can expect comparable results in terms of speed and possibly sound and feel. Ultimately, personal preference and intended use should guide the decision between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a competitive gamer looking for the fastest response time possible, you may want to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch. Its minimal bottom out force and linear action make it ideal for rapid key presses in gaming scenarios where speed is of the essence. However, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides more resistance and feedback, the Outemu Black linear switch with its 82-gram bottom out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific use case you have in mind.
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