Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many options available to suit individual preferences and needs. Two popular choices for those seeking a linear switch are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock Sea Glass. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast response time, making it ideal for gamers who require quick reactions to gain a competitive edge. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches by Durock offer a unique typing experience with their proprietary material blend, resulting in a smooth and airy feel. While the Speed Silver is known for its low spring resistance and instant triggering, the Sea Glass switches boast a light and feathery touch despite their 62g bottom-out force. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, making them appealing choices for different users. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Sea Glass both utilize nylon as a material for their top housing, providing a deep and fuller sound profile. However, the Sea Glass takes it a step further by blending Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is brighter and more pleasant compared to the MX Speed Silver. This difference in material composition results in a slightly sharper sound for the Sea Glass, while the MX Speed Silver produces a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
In terms of bottom housing, both the MX Speed Silver and Sea Glass also feature nylon material. This means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be quite similar between the two switches. The Sea Glass's blend with UHMWPE may provide a slightly different tactile feel when pressing down on the switch, but overall the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a similar typing experience for both switches. The Sea Glass's bottom housing may offer a slightly brighter sound compared to the MX Speed Silver, but the difference may not be significant.
Overall, the material composition of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Durock Sea Glass top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize nylon for their housing, the Sea Glass's unique blend with UHMWPE sets it apart by offering a brighter sound profile. The different housing materials also impact the tactile feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with distinct sound profiles to cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. Interestingly, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, which may suggest a softer bottoming out experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly firmer typing feel. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial and tactile typing experience compared to the MX Speed Silver. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter touch and quicker keystrokes, the MX Speed Silver may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Durock Sea Glass switch for its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm compared to the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm. The MX Speed Silver would be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter distance, while the Sea Glass may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press with its longer distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users looking for quicker feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature that emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing between the two.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, providing a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The Sea Glass switch is also noted for its mild, feathery, and easy-to-press qualities, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and appealing to a wide range of users seeking a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in providing a rapid response with its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers where speed is of the essence. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out for its captivating color options and smooth typing experience, with a weightless feel that defies expectations. While both switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Ultimately, both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience, but with slightly different subjective qualities that cater to different preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches and Durock Sea Glass linear switches, consider your priorities. If you value speed and quick response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, then the MX Speed Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique typing experience with a smooth and weightless feel, along with a captivating aesthetic, then the Sea Glass switches by Durock could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall performance. Whether you prioritize speed or smoothness, both switches offer their own set of advantages that cater to different needs and preferences. Consider these factors carefully before making your final decision.
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