Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. The MX Speed Silver is perfect for gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a unique typing experience with a rich, bassy sound profile and a distinct gliding feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic qualities that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM top and bottom housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. While both switches aim to offer a distinct sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM materials ultimately determines the tone and feel of each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both switches share similar characteristics in terms of their impact on sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow results in a deeper and more muted sound experience, emphasizing the tactile feedback of pressing down on the keys. While the housing materials may differ, the bottom housing of both switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver offers a classic switch experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow provides a unique and pleasing sound that is more muted. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a deeper, more tactile experience, both switches deliver distinct qualities based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Sunset Yellow is the heavier option. The MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it require more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Speed Silver's information is unknown, whereas the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, when both actuation and bottom out forces are taken into consideration, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The MX Speed Silver may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer more substantial feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's slightly shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt but can lead to faster typing speeds. In terms of travel distance, the MX Speed Silver offers a bit more depth while the Sunset Yellow provides a slightly quicker response, catering to different preferences.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 switches are known for their thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a bassy and thocky sound that is reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, creating a captivating and indulgent typing experience. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the MX Speed Silver delivering a more low-pitched tone while the Sunset Yellow switches provide a richer bass sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are described as textured, potentially offering a bit of friction when pressed. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are known for their creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Sunset Yellow switches feature a unique Ly stem and factory lube method that contribute to a distinct gliding sensation, while the MX Speed Silver switches offer a linear action with low spring resistance for a rapid and responsive typing experience. Overall, the Sunset Yellow switches prioritize a silky and effortless feel, while the MX Speed Silver switches focus on speed and responsiveness.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard switch world may find the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches more appealing for their captivating sound profile and smooth typing experience. However, those who prioritize speed and rapid response may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, you should take into account your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and ultra-fast response times, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver would be a great choice with its instant triggering action. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and indulgent typing experience with a rich sound profile and medium-light actuation force, the Sunset Yellow switches would be more fitting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed or typing comfort and sound quality in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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