Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Purple offer distinct advantages for different types of users. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that is perfect for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. With its low spring resistance and instant triggering capabilities, it is ideal for those who need quick actuation in fast-paced gaming situations. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump feedback with each key press. While it may not be as fast as the MX Speed Silver, it offers a more pronounced tactile feel that some users prefer for typing and general use. 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
30g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Purple, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, it is important to note that the top housing of the MX Speed Silver is made of nylon, while the Purple utilizes polycarbonate. This results in a contrast in sound profiles, with the MX Speed Silver offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the Purple.
Furthermore, the aesthetic aspect of the housing materials differs between the MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Purple. The clear polycarbonate used in the Purple's top housing makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This translucency allows the RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver does not offer the same level of visual appeal, as it lacks the transparency of polycarbonate. While both switches may provide similar sound profiles due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the visual impact of the clear polycarbonate top housing sets the Purple apart in terms of aesthetics.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Purple ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. While both switches share the benefits of using nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate provide unique sound profiles and visual appeal. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller tone or a sharper and crisper sound with the ability to showcase RGB lighting, each switch offers its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Speed Silver boasts a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams, making it more suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, unfortunately, no information is available for either switch. Despite the lack of information on bottom out force, it can be assumed that both switches may offer a similar bottom out force since it is not specified. This difference in actuation force highlights the varied preferences of users when it comes to keyboard switches - some may prefer the light touch of the MX Speed Silver, while others may gravitate towards the more substantial feel of the Outemu Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference, whether it be a preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Speed Silver is ideal for those seeking a faster response time, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, with the MX Speed Silver being better suited for quick, precise inputs, while the Outemu Purple appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing style.
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 Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, creating a deep and satisfying noise when pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch's sound qualities are unknown. It is essential to consider other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps to fully appreciate the sound produced by each switch.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured characteristic, providing a tactile feedback that some users may find appealing. On the other hand, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch is unavailable. As with sound, personal preference and typing style will ultimately dictate which switch feels more comfortable and responsive to the user.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid response time ideal for gaming, producing a satisfying thocky sound and a textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's qualities remain unknown. Therefore, if a user is looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the MX Speed Silver switch, they may achieve comparable results by selecting a tactile switch that is known for its smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and intended use. If you are a gamer looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice with its instant triggering and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience and don't mind a bit more resistance, the Outemu Purple switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider your priorities in terms of speed, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios.
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