Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is lauded for its rapid response and quick triggering thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking lightning-fast input. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red offers a different typing experience with a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile that is sure to delight users. While the MX Speed Silver is textured and thocky with a low-pitched sound, the Wine Red switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Wine Red, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red uses a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
While the bottom housings of both switches utilize the same materials as their respective top housings, the characteristics of these materials are still important to consider. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red adds to its sharper and crisper sound. This means that when typing on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials emphasizes the overall complexity of switch design and how different components can affect the typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Wine Red plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. The use of nylon in the MX Speed Silver creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate in the Wine Red produces a clearer and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience that aligns with their personal preferences. Whether it's the softer sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, each switch offers a distinct sound profile that can cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch with an actuation force of 44 grams, making the MX Speed Silver easier to type on for extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, while the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Wine Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option, which is beneficial for long typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Wine Red is slightly heavier, offering a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver gives it an advantage in terms of faster response times, which is preferred by gamers for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Wine Red switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two. Overall, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the way to go, while if you prefer a more traditional typing feel with more key travel, the KTT Wine Red may be the better choice.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Wine Red switches boast low-pitched profiles. The Speed Silver offers a thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone during key presses, while the Wine Red switches lean towards a bassy sound for a rich and full auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and the overall build of your keyboard setup, you can expect similar results in sound quality from both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured sensation, offering a distinct tactile feedback that some users may find appealing. In contrast, information on the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available. Nevertheless, based on the information provided, the pillowy light type feel mentioned with the Wine Red switch suggests a potentially smoother and softer typing experience compared to the textured feel of the MX Speed Silver.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Wine Red switches each have their own unique qualities to offer. While both switches share low-pitched sound profiles, the MX Speed Silver stands out with its thocky sound and textured feel, catering to gamers and users seeking rapid response and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch presents a potentially softer and smoother typing experience with a bassy sound, appealing to those looking for a gentler keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a gamer looking for the fastest response time possible and prioritize speed and instant trigger, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. With its low spring resistance and linear action, every keystroke is quick and precise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red linear switch might be the better choice for you. The pillowy light feel and rich sound profile of the Wine Red switches make typing a pleasure. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your specific preferences and gaming or typing style.
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