Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to high-speed typing or gaming, two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches stand out: the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock Piano. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response time, with a linear action and low spring resistance that triggers instantly, making it ideal for gamers seeking that competitive edge. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its pleasant typing experience, offering a smooth gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics - the MX Speed Silver being 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and the Durock Piano being 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, they achieve this in slightly different ways due to their distinct housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Durock Piano feature nylon and proprietary POM blend materials, respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing counterpart. Meanwhile, the POM blend bottom housing of the Durock Piano also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. It is interesting to note that while the bottom housing may not have as direct of an impact on the typing experience as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Durock Piano switches ultimately aim to provide a high-quality typing experience for users. The nylon and POM blend materials used in their housings each offer unique sound profiles, with the nylon creating a duller and rounder sound in the case of the MX Speed Silver and the POM blend providing a deep and satisfying sound in the Durock Piano. While the specific details of their housing materials differ, both switches are designed to enhance the user's typing experience through their innovative design and construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see that the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 30 grams. The Durock Piano, however, does not have a specified actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Piano is heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver does not have a specified bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Speed Silver may be the preferred choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Piano with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver switch can provide faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Durock Piano switch may offer a more substantial feeling when typing. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more tactile experience with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch produces a bassy sound that is deep and rich, enhancing the overall typing experience with its pleasant sound signature. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some users may prefer the thocky sound of the MX Speed Silver while others may lean towards the bassy sound of the Durock Piano.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured action, which provides a tactile feedback that some users may appreciate for increased precision during fast-paced gaming sessions. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes without any sense of resistance or friction. This difference in feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with some users preferring the tactile feedback of the MX Speed Silver while others may favor the smoothness of the Durock Piano.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Durock Piano switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities. Users seeking a switch with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile along with textured feedback may find the Cherry MX Speed Silver to be the ideal choice for their gaming needs. On the other hand, those looking for a switch with a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing experience may gravitate towards the Durock Piano switch for its smooth and pleasant typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are solid options that can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instant response, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you. Its low spring resistance and linear action make it ideal for quick and precise movements in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize a pleasant and smooth typing experience, the Durock Piano may be more suited to your preferences. The gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature of the Piano switch make it a delight for typists seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual priorities and use case scenarios.
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