Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, keyboard enthusiasts find themselves weighing the merits of speed against the satisfying feedback of tactile action. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response time, featuring a linear action that triggers instantly due to its low spring resistance. This responsiveness makes it a go-to option for gamers who thrive on precision, where each millisecond counts. Its textured and thocky feel adds a unique auditory experience, enhancing the gaming atmosphere. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a tactile experience, providing a subtle to moderate bump that signals actuation without overwhelming the user. Their balanced sound profile not only enriches typing comfort but also adds a layer of enjoyment for typists who appreciate a tactile feedback. While the Speed Silver excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios, the Weightlessness caters more to those who prefer a more nuanced 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches share a notable similarity in that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This classic material choice is significant because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, is known for its sound absorption properties. When typing on switches made from nylon, one can expect to experience a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer material dampens the acoustics compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both the MX Speed Silver and Weightlessness switches elicit a rounded sound when keys are pressed, ensuring that users enjoy a more muted auditory experience, regardless of the specific switch used.
While both switches feature identical housing materials, it's important to consider the mechanics and design choices that can affect the overall feel and performance of each switch. As the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when the key is pressed, the shared nylon composition means that both switches will exhibit an inherently similar bottom-out experience. However, characteristics such as stem design, spring tension, and other internal components can contribute variations in feel and actuation force between the two, offering distinct typing experiences while maintaining the foundational sound profile attributed to nylon.
Ultimately, the nylon housing materials in both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches create a comparable auditory environment when typing. Users can expect a duller and rounder sound profile due to the qualities inherent in nylon, regardless of other design differences. Thus, those who prioritize a specific acoustic outcome will find satisfaction with either switch, provided they appreciate the deeper sound characteristics facilitated by nylon. The shared material choice between these two popular switches underlines the influence of housing composition on sound production, while also highlighting how distinct mechanical features can lead to unique typing experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the MX Speed Silver is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a quicker response during typing or gaming, as well as for those who appreciate a lighter touch for extended use. On the contrary, the Weightlessness switch, being heavier, might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, providing a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. Both switches' bottom out forces are unknown, so we cannot compare this aspect; however, if they turned out to be similar, users would experience a comparable feel when pressing down completely. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force, with the Cherry MX Speed Silver being the lighter option and the Gateron Weightlessness offering a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have identical travel distances, both measuring 3.4 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable key presses in terms of how far the switches move from the top to the bottom. As a result, whether one prefers the linear feel of the MX Speed Silver or the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness, the travel distance will provide a consistent experience in terms of actuation depth. Thus, both switches will yield similar results in this regard, making them comparable choices for users who prioritize travel distance in their typing or gaming experiences.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched quality that delivers a deep and rich auditory feedback upon keypresses. This gives a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" sound that many users find appealing, especially in gaming environments where the feedback can enhance the overall experience. In contrast, the specific sound attributes of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remain unknown. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, such as the type of board and keycaps used, which means users may find similarities in sound even among different switch types depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the MX Speed Silver provides a textured experience that introduces a noticeable friction during key presses. This texture is particularly important for typists who prefer feedback that can help them distinguish key actions without needing to look at the keyboard. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switch is described as subtle to moderate, allowing for a different tactile experience that does not specifically mention any textured characteristics. As such, users may find the Speed Silver's more pronounced texture to be advantageous for gaming, while the Weightlessness may offer a smoother typing experience for those who prioritize a gentler tactile response.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver excels with its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel, perfect for gamers looking for fast reaction times. Meanwhile, the unknown sound and gentle tactile feedback of the Weightlessness switches present a different typing experience that may appeal to users seeking comfort and subtlety. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preference, as both switches can provide satisfying results depending on the specific use case and personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer who values speed and responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver is your best bet; its linear action and low spring resistance allow for instantaneous key presses, making it an exceptional choice for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. Additionally, its thocky sound and textured feel can add a satisfying experience to your gameplay, even if it tends to produce a bit of friction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced typing experience with a noticeable tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness switches would be more suitable. Their subtle to moderate tactile feel enhances your typing with a satisfying bump without being overly loud or abrasive, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both typing and casual gaming. In summary, let your primary activities guide your choice: go for the MX Speed Silver for high-speed gaming scenarios, or select the Weightlessness for a balanced, tactile typing experience.
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