Cherry Speed or Browns?

[Areyn13]

So I'm buying my first Mechanical Keyboard very soon (looking at the K95 Platinum specifically) and deciding between either Cherry Speed or Brown switches. I had a chance to test Browns in person thanks to my friend who owns a K70, and while it felt better than any Membrane I've ever used it still felt a bit "heavy" or "resisting" to touch? (from the slight tactile bump I assume) I have a fairly soft touch when using my keyboard, so something that's very light and easy to press and hold down is my preference.

That being said, would something like the Speeds then suit my tastes a little better? I mainly play FPS shooters so holding down the WASD and Shift keys for hours will be most common, with only minimal typing when needed. Also for those who have tried all, is there a noticeable difference between the Brown > Reds > Speeds in how light the key feels to press down? Does the transition from Tactile to Linear make it easier and less fatiguing for long gaming use?

[Simon771]

I would strongly suggest you to test both if you can and then decide.

That was the best opinion give to me when I was buying my first mechanical keyboard. It all comes down to you and what you like.

I would presonally go with brown over speed switches, because it felt better to type on brown.

 

When I was buying it, I was deciding between romer-g and cherry mx brown. Bought Romer-G in the end because it simply felt better to type on it.

Luckily where I live, I could buy any keyboard and return it after few days if I find myself not liking it. So that's also an option.

[Oshino Shinobu]

Both Cherry MX Browns and Silvers (Speed) have the same actuation force (though due to the linear and tactile nature of the switches, the way the force is spread out when pressing the keys is different), though the Silvers have less travel to the actuation point (1.2mm vs 2mm) and a shorter travel distance overall (3.4mm vs 4mm). I can't say whether the difference in travel makes much difference as I haven't used Silvers myself. 

 

From their specs, they're likely similar to MX Reds but with less travel (same actuation force). I used to own a MX Red keyboard but ended up getting an MX Brown so I could switch between the two (intended reds for gaming and browns for typing), but I found Browns so much nicer that I sold the MX Red board. 

 

I'd imagine that Silvers would not be great for typing, as there's less travel required for actuation, it would be easier to mistype. For gaming, that's not so much of a concern, so they may fit your needs well. I personally can't stand linear switches now, I mistype constantly if I use them. 

 

I would advise trying to try out an MX Red keyboard and see how you like it (Obviously, a MX Silver board would be better, but Reds are more common). Silvers should feel similar as they take the same actuation force and are also linear, but have less travel. 

 

It's important to note that when it comes to switches and peripherals in general, it's pretty much all personal preference. Personally, my ideal switches are MX Clears, which are basically heavier Browns, but they're rare. We can only really tell you what we think of it, it won't necessarily line up with what you'll experience when you actually use it. 

[zoom-ZOOM]

I have tried both and don't like brown at all. Personal preference but the tactility feels yuck to me-i dont mind something clicky but the weird stick bump feels strange to me. I tried speeds and reds and for some reason i liked the feel of reds better-maybe the travel, i don't really know-which gets to the point-there is really no way of telling which switch you will prefer. If you can try them out that is best. In Sydney. Australia their is a retailer that has a bunch of switch testing boards set up and you can try them out-maybe it would be worth investigating if there is a similar shop near you.

Notes on the switches

- Speeds are slightly higher force than reds

- the extra depth (and maybe lower act. force) of reds makes them feel better for me