Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast response time, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking a competitive edge. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is also a linear switch but is cherished for its delicate typing experience and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods. While the MX Speed Silver is textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Yanyu is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the SP-Star Yanyu switches both feature nylon components, providing a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. However, the Yanyu switch distinguishes itself with a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that leans towards the brighter side compared to the MX Speed Silver's deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience, as the Yanyu switch may offer a more vibrant and lively typing sound compared to the more subdued sound of the MX Speed Silver.
While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing material, the Yanyu switch again sets itself apart with its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing. This blend contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, with the Yanyu offering a pleasant sound that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite both switches using nylon in their bottom housing, the different blends present in the Yanyu switch may result in a slightly different bottom-out sound and feel compared to the MX Speed Silver.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. In the case of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the SP-Star Yanyu switches, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom, influencing the sound and feel of the switch during both key presses and releases. The bottom housing material plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams, compared to the Yanyu which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Yanyu is lighter at 43 grams while the MX Speed Silver has an unknown bottom out force. The MX Speed Silver offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, which is ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch's 4 mm travel distance. The MX Speed Silver switch offers a quicker response time, making it more ideal for gamers looking for precise and rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch provides a deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those who like a more satisfying tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the MX Speed Silver offering a shorter travel distance for faster input and the Yanyu providing a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press sensation.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 thocky and low-pitched sound profile, producing deep and satisfying tones when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound, suitable for various typing environments. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the MX Speed Silver leaning towards a deeper and bass-heavy tone, while the Yanyu offers a more balanced sound profile that caters to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, adding a layer of friction when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, with a subtle and polished finish for smooth key travel. The Yanyu switch aims for a gentle and comfortable typing feel, while the MX Speed Silver offers a different tactile sensation with its textured surface. Depending on individual preferences for typing feedback and comfort, users can choose between the textured feel of the MX Speed Silver or the smooth and polished experience of the Yanyu switch.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and SP-Star Yanyu switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics catered towards different user preferences. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a rapid response with its low spring resistance and thocky sound profile, the Yanyu switch focuses on delivering a delicate typing experience with a neutral and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of performance and quality, but the choice between the MX Speed Silver and Yanyu switches would ultimately come down to individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instantaneous response, then the MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are seeking a more delicate typing experience with a light actuation force, then the Yanyu switch would be more suitable, particularly for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more comfortable typing experience.
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