Around 15 years ago, high-quality mechanical keyboards and switches were almost completely reserved for big companies and tech enthusiasts. About 10 years ago, the idea of consumer and different types of switches was just starting to get people excited. 5 years ago, switch variety had become massive and cheap to boot.
Today, there are literally half a dozen switches specifically targeted to gamers. Now, we’ll look into the Cherry MX Speed vs. Red debate.
What a wonderful world to live in. 🎮 ✨
So, let’s focus on the Cherry MX Red the first switch designed specifically for top-tier gaming keyboards, as well as the latest one to be introduced for gamers, the Cherry MX Silver, also known as the Speed. Why two names you ask? Well, switches are named after their color, the ‘Speed’ name is a marketing thing, and you’ll see why in a moment.
What Is a Cherry MX Key Switch?
Before getting into the thick of it though, let’s look at what a switch actually is.
A switch is almost exactly what it sounds like: one thing that lets you put something else in the on or off position. In the most basic sense, when you press down a key on your keyboard, that lets your keyboard know that you have ‘activated’ that key, which then, in turn, lets your computer know that you typed that letter, symbol, or macro. Your keyboard’s keys are in the ‘off’ position until you press them, ergo the term ‘switch’ (as in, switching them on).
Now that’s the simple explanation, but in more complicated terms, switches tend to come in two types: Mechanical and membrane. There are quite a few differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards, but let’s not go off-topic.
Today, we’re talking about mechanical switches, but it’s good to know that membrane keyboard exist.
These membrane switches are essentially three layers of silicone or rubber with the middle layer acting as an insulator so that when you press a key down, you connect the top and bottom layers to create a circuit and ‘switch’ the key on.
As for mechanical switches, they tend to be equally complicated and have much more variety. While I won’t go into all the different types of switches and their manufacturers here, one of our other talented writers, Courtenay Smith, has written a nice guide on Cherry MX Red vs Brown and an overview of some other switches as well.
Before we move on though, you might be interested to know that the left/right buttons of a mouse actually have the same types of switches as keyboards. In fact, some mice have the same exact switches as keyboards, such as Razer products which often share Razer’s proprietary switches.
Cherry MX Silver vs. Red
As I alluded to earlier, there’s a whole line-up of switches specifically designed for gamers. What differentiates ‘gamer’ switches from standard switches, is that gamer switches have a much shallower activation point, which is where the keypress is registered. This shallower activation point means that when you double or triple tap a key in quick succession, the keyboard can register each hit.
In simple terms, you don’t have to press all the way down to activate the switch.
Cherry MX Red
Cherry MX Red is the first type of switch made for games and is the most common switch you’ll find in gaming keyboards. They feature a total travel of 4.0mm and an actuation point of 2.0mm, so you only need to press the key halfway down to activate it. It also doesn’t have the audible click you hear with other switches, which is a great addition since it would easily drive gamers up the wall.
Combine the above with minimal force required to operate, and you get yourself a switch that is not only easy to press but also easy to press several times in a row and have everything register. This is why Cherry MX Reds are so popular; they toe the line between sensitivity and force required, meaning that it averages well over people’s preferences.
Cherry MX Silver
Cherry MX Silver (or speed) switches, on the other hand, are even more sensitive than Reds. It has a total travel of 3.4mm and an actuation point of 1.2mm. Again, you only need to press down halfway to activate the switch, but because the total travel is smaller than the Reds, you activate the key 0.8 mm sooner.
In essence, the Cherry MX Silver is just a Cherry MX Red with a shallower activation point. The tactile response, the pressure required and all that fun stuff is exactly the same. This is why the Silver is marketed as ‘Speed’ because it’s a much faster version of the Red.
Cherry MX Speed vs. Red: Which Should You Get?
So here comes the hard part, suggesting to people which type of switch to get.
First, I’ll give you the general rule of thumb: What switch type works for you is the one you want it to be. In almost all circumstances, whether you go for a Cherry MX Red, a Brown or a Blue, you’re going to have to get acclimated to its feel. That means that you can really choose whatever switch you think you’ll need. If you believe the Silver is going to add a lot to your gaming, then you should absolutely get that, otherwise, go for the Red.
If we’re talking only Cherry MX Speed vs. Red, I believe the Silver is going to be much too sensitive for most people. In practical terms, if you’re already accustomed to the Red, you’re not going to notice the 0.8mm difference. Most human beings cannot differentiate at that level, especially while in the middle of a gaming session or when tapping things in quick succession.
Yes, if you’re a pro gamer who does e-sports and is top-ranked, maybe you’ll notice the difference, but if you aren’t then you won’t. At best you’re going to get irritated by how easy Cherry MX Silver switches are to press down, even lightly resting your fingers on the keys could activate them. So if you use your computer for things other than gaming, then Cherry MX is almost always the way to go.
Now, all that being said, we do live in the future and thankfully you don’t have to take the word of some random stranger on the internet (regardless of how awesome he or she is). Instead, you can buy yourself a switch tester like the Griarrac Cherry MX Switch Tester. This divests you of having to rely on other people’s opinions and preferences, and instead, you have a low cost-option of trying out all the types of switches to see which one you prefer the most.
Sources:
- Cherry MX Red vs. Silver, Reddit Discussion
- Cherry RED Specs, CherryMX