Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Brown offer unique qualities to consider. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that is designed for maximum speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers who rely on quick reaction times. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides a more satisfying typing experience with a slight bump feeling upon actuation. While the Speed Silver is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Brown does not have specific categorization. Each switch has its strengths and uses, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Brown switches, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the difference arises when looking at the top housing material. The Speed Silver uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Brown switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing material leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile for the Brown switch compared to the deeper and fuller sound of the Speed Silver.
Although both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Brown switches have nylon bottom housings, they provide slight variations in sound and feel due to the different top housing materials used. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing material makes a significant difference in the overall sound profile of the switch. The Speed Silver's nylon top housing adds to the softer sound profile, while the Brown's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile of the switch. This difference in top housing material results in a distinct auditory experience when typing on each switch.
Understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials on a switch is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Brown switches share similar nylon bottom housings that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housing materials create distinct differences in sound. The Speed Silver's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This shows how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience and highlight the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the MX Speed Silver requires less force to register a key press, making it a more responsive option for quick typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown switch has a higher force of 65 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver. This means that the Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel when fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may prefer the Outemu Brown switch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance is favored by gamers seeking faster response times, while the Outemu Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preference, with the shorter distance offering quick actuation and the longer distance providing a more deliberate keystroke. Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Brown switches comes down to personal preference for typing or gaming 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 Brown 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 offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with a noticeable friction when typing. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for some users who prefer a bit of resistance. However, information on the feel of the Outemu Brown switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in providing a rapid response with low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch's subjective qualities such as sound and feel remain unknown, making it harder to pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the MX Speed Silver switch. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between these two switches, as individual typing style and preferences will ultimately determine the best fit for each user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your use case. If you are a gamer looking for the fastest response time and minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice due to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and tactile feedback for typing tasks, the Outemu Brown switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether speed or tactility is more important to you in your typing or gaming experience. Choose wisely based on your preferences and priorities to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard.
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