Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences for users. The MX Speed Silver is ideal for gamers seeking lightning-fast response times, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown provides a tactile feedback that some typists prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. While the Speed Silver is touted for its speed and responsiveness, the Crystal Brown offers a different tactile feel that may suit those who prioritize typing comfort. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The MX Speed Silver uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer quality sound profiles that are enhanced by their respective materials. The use of nylon in the MX Speed Silver results in a deeper and fuller sound that is absorbed by the softer plastic, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Both materials have their unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience, with the MX Speed Silver providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Crystal Brown's sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of functionality, the differences in housing materials between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown impact how the switches sound and feel during typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a distinct tactile experience, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials offers a variety of nuances in sound profiles for users to appreciate, catering to different preferences in typing experiences. Ultimately, both switches showcase the unique qualities of their housing materials in delivering satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The MX Speed Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, as it allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch would appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. Both switches offer different experiences based on actuation and bottom out force, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Crystal Brown's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver makes it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown provides a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a greater depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming experience.
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 Crystal 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 sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific sound description available, so it may not be as defining in terms of auditory feedback. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other components like the keyboard casing and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured feel, which can provide a tactile sensation with each keypress. This texture may offer a bit of resistance that some users prefer for a more controlled typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing comfort.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a distinct sound and a textured feel for rapid response and gaming, the Crystal Brown's characteristics in these areas remain unknown. If you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice. However, if you're unsure about the sound and feel of the Crystal Brown switch, you may want to try it out for yourself to see how it compares to the MX Speed Silver.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming where split-second reactions are crucial, the MX Speed Silver is the clear choice with its instant linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile feedback for a more satisfying typing experience, the Crystal Brown is a solid option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed or tactility in your keyboard switch selection.
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