Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Gold offer unique qualities to consider. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its rapid response, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that provides tactile feedback with each press, offering a satisfying typing experience. While the MX Speed Silver is best suited for those looking for speed and precision in fast-paced gaming scenarios, the Outemu Gold is perfect for typists who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible clickiness of each key press. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Gold both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, while the Gold utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, with a clearer and more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Aesthetically, switches with clear housings are more likely to be polycarbonate, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the characteristics of each material are split between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the softer nature of nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Gold utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Gold housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The softer nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches provides a similar typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold offers a sharper and clearer sound compared to the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound will ultimately determine which switch is the better fit for your typing needs.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. The Cherry MX Speed Silver also does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier in that regard. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a gentler typing experience, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and like the assurance of a stronger push, the Outemu Gold clicky switch would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gold has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances often provide quicker feedback. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Outemu Gold may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
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 Gold 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its quick and responsive linear action, making it popular among gamers looking for rapid key presses. In terms of sound, the MX Speed Silver switch is often described as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, providing a tactile experience with noticeable friction when pressed. However, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not specified.
Overall, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch would be a suitable choice due to its linear action and quick triggering. If audible feedback and a clicky sound are important factors for you, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be worth considering, although limited information is available on its sound and feel. Selecting the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style, so experimenting with different switches to find the best fit for you is recommended.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the MX Speed Silver with its lightning-fast linear action and low spring resistance would be a top choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible clicky sound and medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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