Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Tom. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch, designed for gamers who prioritize quick response times. Its low spring resistance and linear action allow for instant triggering, making it ideal for gaming where split-second decisions can make all the difference. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, which provides a satisfying tactile bump when pressed. While it may not offer the same lightning-fast response as the MX Speed Silver, it provides a more tactile typing experience for those who enjoy feedback when typing. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Tom both offer unique qualities in their housing materials. The MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. While the MX Speed Silver offers a duller and rounder sound, the Tom's polycarbonate housing produces a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the two switches based on their overall housing design. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, emphasizing different aspects of sound and feel depending on the user's preference.
In conclusion, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Tom ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing, the Tom provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be enhanced by the different housing materials utilized. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a clear and resonant sound, both switches have their own qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the Tom's 55 grams. The bottom out force for both switches is unknown. The MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Tom switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who desire a stronger typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on the user's preference for actuation force, with the MX Speed Silver being lighter and the Tom being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. The MX Speed Silver is slightly longer by 0.1 mm, which may not make a significant difference in feel for most users. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the MX Speed Silver due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch may appeal to those who prefer a tad more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. In both cases, users can expect a similar level of performance and tactile experience despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Tom 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 linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is identified as having a textured feel, meaning it offers noticeable friction when pressed. This can create a tactile sensation that some users may prefer for typing or gaming. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in terms of their tactile feedback. Again, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which type of switch feels the most comfortable and responsive to an individual user.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it particularly well-suited for gamers seeking quick key actuation. Its sound profile is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone, while its textured feel adds a tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks available information on both sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare with the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall performance in their specific keyboard application.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming purposes where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you. Its linear action and low spring resistance make it perfect for quick and precise movements. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience and want a switch with appealing sound characteristics, the Outemu Tom tactile switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type or game for extended periods of time.
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