Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock T1 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 Durock T1 offer unique features catering to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch renowned for its lightning-fast response time, making it a top choice for gamers seeking instantaneous input. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is a tactile switch loved for its comfortable typing experience with a noticeable bump and soothing sound. While the MX Speed Silver excels in speed and responsiveness, the Durock T1 emphasizes tactile feedback and typing comfort. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock T1, one can see a clear distinction between nylon and polycarbonate. The MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound compared to the T1's polycarbonate top housing. The T1's polycarbonate top housing, on the other hand, offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the T1 is ideal for RGB lighting, offering a clear and resonant sound experience.
On the bottom housing side, both the MX Speed Silver and the T1 utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a rounder and duller sound experience. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing results in similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel for both the MX Speed Silver and the T1 switches.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Durock T1 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the MX Speed Silver offers a softer and deeper sound profile with its nylon housing materials, the T1 provides a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile for gaming or a fuller sound profile for typing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch to the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are significant differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The MX Speed Silver has a light actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to type quickly and lightly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, so it is unclear how much pressure is needed to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Durock T1 has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a tactile feedback. While the actuation force of the T1 is unknown, it is clear that it requires more pressure to bottom out compared to the MX Speed Silver. In terms of weight, the MX Speed Silver is lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions where lighter key presses are preferred. Meanwhile, the Durock T1 is heavier, offering a more satisfying push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Durock T1 has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Cherry MX Speed Silver caters to individuals looking for a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Durock T1 offers a more substantial depth when typing, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more tactile feel. Both switches have their advantages, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific use case for the keyboard.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 characteristics, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch also has a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral tone, making it suitable for various environments and user preferences. The sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, providing a noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Durock T1 switch offers a stepped feel with an accented tactile response and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The T1's tactile feedback is more pronounced compared to the linear action of the Speed Silver, providing a different typing sensation for users who prefer tactile switches.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver is ideal for those seeking a fast and responsive switch for gaming, while the T1 is a comfortable and tactile option for typing enthusiasts. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preference in sound and feel. However, both switches offer high-quality performance that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers lightning-fast response times and a smooth linear feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is the way to go. Its low spring resistance and instant triggering make it ideal for competitive gaming where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock T1 switch is a great choice. Its comfortable bump and soothing sound make typing a pleasure. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or tactile feedback and comfort in your typing experience.
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