Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and instant triggering due to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for competitive gamers seeking maximum speed and precision. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel provided by its lengthened single-stage spring. This makes it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users looking for an enjoyable typing experience. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both use different housing materials for their switches, with the MX Speed Silver featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the MX Speed Silver creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for RGB lighting, offering a translucent look.
While the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the polycarbonate top housing of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer different sound profiles, they both play a significant role in the overall typing experience of the switches. The nylon material creates a softer and more absorbing sound, while the polycarbonate material produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the top housing material can impact the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate of the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its transparency, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. Both nylon and polycarbonate offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, with the nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent typing experience or a clearer, more resonant one, both housing materials have their own advantages and can greatly impact the overall feel and sound of the switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams, making the MX Speed Silver the lighter option in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a higher force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver bottom out force is unspecified. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel provided by the Tourmaline Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Speed Silver would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue would be more suited for individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation, as the longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preferences, with one being shorter and the other being longer.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its low-pitched thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the MX Speed Silver providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more moderate and versatile sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized as having a textured feel, which may provide a different tactile experience compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation with minimal resistance. Depending on individual typing preferences, users may find the textured feel of the MX Speed Silver appealing or prefer the effortless typing experience of the Tourmaline Blue.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Gamers looking for a rapid response time and deep thocky sound may prefer the MX Speed Silver, while users seeking a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to either of these options, consider experimenting with switches that have comparable sound and feel characteristics to achieve a similar typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and instant response in your gaming experience, the MX Speed Silver with its low spring resistance and rapid triggering action may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a balanced spring weight for comfortable typing, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the MX Speed Silver is perfect for gamers seeking speed, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a versatile and enjoyable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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