Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Red often boils down to the specific needs of the user, particularly in gaming and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response and low spring resistance, allowing for instantaneous actuation that can significantly enhance gaming performance, where a fraction of a second can define victory or defeat. Its linear action contributes to a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or audible feedback, making it an excellent option for gamers who prefer a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, while the Outemu Red lacks the extensive accolades of the Speed Silver, it offers a budget-friendly alternative that also features linear characteristics, delivering a quiet and consistent keypress experience that can suit both casual gamers and typists alike. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Red, the key difference lies in the top housing, with the former utilizing nylon and the latter employing polycarbonate. Nylon, used in the Speed Silver's top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This ability to absorb sound makes for a more muted auditory experience, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red produces a sharper, crisper sound profile characterized by its stiffer nature. This distinction in material means that while both switches may feel similar in terms of key feedback, the auditory experience will be markedly different, reflective of the properties of the respective materials.
In contrast, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Red feature nylon for their bottom housings. This use of nylon leads to a consistent tactile response in both switches, as the material minimizes vibrations and resonates to create a fuller sound upon key presses. When bottoming out the switches, users will experience a similarity in sound and feel due to the underlying nylon housing. This shared material highlights the balance within the two switches, where despite differences in the top housing, the foundational qualities of nylon bring a degree of cohesion to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the variances in top housing materials create opportunities for different sound profiles while the similarity in the bottom housing can ensure a consistent tactile feedback between the two switches. Thus, users can expect a unique auditory experience with the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its nylon top and a more resonant sound from the Outemu Red's polycarbonate. However, both switches will deliver a comparable tactile sensation when bottomed out, as the nylon material in both bottom housings engages similarly, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in both sound and feel when evaluating mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we see a subtle difference in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter compared to the Outemu Red, which requires a 46-gram actuation force. This means that users looking for a more effortless typing experience will find the Speed Silver to be more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer a firmer feel might lean towards the Red. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unavailable, while the Outemu Red has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Red switch provides a more substantial tactile feedback when fully pressed down, appealing to users who enjoy a heavier push feel. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter actuation with potentially unknown bottom-out characteristics, the MX Speed Silver is the better choice, while the Outemu Red gives a heavier and more pronounced bottoming sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the MX Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the MX Speed Silver as the shorter option, catering to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its lessened travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red, with its more traditional 4 mm travel, provides a deeper keystroke that some users may find more satisfying, albeit less responsive. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, as those looking for speed may opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while users desiring a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Outemu Red.
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 Red 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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the Speed Silver stands out with its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying tone with each keypress. This creates an auditory experience that many find appealing, especially for those who appreciate a rich sound profile that complements their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Red switches is not explicitly described, leading to some uncertainty regarding their acoustic attributes. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, which means that users may still achieve a good auditory experience with the Reds.
When it comes to feel, the MX Speed Silver offers a textured experience, marked by noticeable friction upon pressing. This texture can provide a tactile feedback that some users prefer, as it adds to the overall interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Red switches is not characterized, leaving a gap in understanding how they measure up in terms of tactile feedback. Without this information, it is difficult to make a direct comparison, but users might find that both switches can offer a satisfying experience depending on their personal preferences for smooth versus textured keys.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches provide distinct characteristics in both sound and feel, the lack of specified information on the Outemu Red switches leaves some questions open. The Speed Silver’s thocky sound and textured feel help it cater particularly well to gamers seeking rapid response, while the Outemu Reds may still deliver a capable performance. Ultimately, users may find that both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different auditory and tactile dynamics. Choosing between them will likely depend on individual preferences and the intended use of the keyboard, particularly for gaming or general typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Red linear switches, your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences. If you're an avid gamer seeking the utmost responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's rapid actuation and low spring resistance make it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios, allowing you to respond instantly and secure that competitive edge. Its thocky, low-pitched sound adds an element of auditory satisfaction, while the textured feel may suit those who appreciate feedback as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Red switch could be your go-to. With a moderate bottom-out force, the Red provides a balanced feel and is versatile enough for both gaming and daily typing tasks, making it a solid choice for newcomers exploring the mechanical keyboard landscape. Ultimately, consider your primary use case, sound preference, and tactile feedback when making your final decision.
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