Last Updated on November 21, 2023
Cherry MX switches have a storied past and are considered some of the best-in-class key switches for mechanical keyboards, revered by writers, gamers, programmers, and Esports pros for their performance, comfort, and durability. Originally founded in Illinois in 1953, Cherry moved to Auerbach in der Oberpfalz, Germany in 1979, and in 1983 the first MX Switch (the MX Black) was introduced.
Cherry currently makes several different keyboard switches, each with a unique combination of resistance, tactile and auditory feedback that caters to different uses and preferences.
When it comes to choosing the best Cherry MX switch for gaming, there are several options to consider. Each switch type has its unique characteristics, and the choice ultimately depends on your gaming style and preferences. In this detailed explanation, we’ll delve into the Cherry MX Speed Silver, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silent Red, and Cherry MX Black switches to help you make an informed decision.
Cherry MX Switches Quick Comparison
This table compares some of the most popular Cherry MX switches being produced today. Scroll down for more detailed explanations.
| Switch | Type | Actuation Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming |
| Cherry MX Silent Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Noiseless gaming |
| Cherry MX Speed Silver | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Speed/Gaming |
| Cherry MX Black | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming with heavier keys |
| Cherry MX Brown | Tactile (soft bump, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | All-purpose use |
| Cherry MX Blue | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Typing |
| Cherry MX Low Profile Speed | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Low profile desktop gaming |
| Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 15 million keystrokes | Notebook gaming |
| Cherry MX Green | Clicky (soft bump and audible click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Typing with heavier keys |
Best Cherry MX Switches For gaming
| Switch | Type | Actuation Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Speed Silver | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Speed/Gaming |
| Cherry MX Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming |
| Cherry MX Silent Red | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 50 million keystrokes | Noiseless gaming |
| Cherry MX Black | Linear (smooth, no click) | > 100 million keystrokes | Gaming with heavier keys |
1. Cherry MX Speed Silver: Tailor-Made for Gaming
Cherry MX Speed Silver Specs:
- Type: Linear
- Feel/Sound: Smooth and Quiet
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Bottom-Out Force: 80g
- Actuation Distance: 1.2mm
- Travel Distance: 3.4mm
- Actuation Rating: > 100 million keystrokes
Let’s start with the Cherry MX Speed Silver, a switch designed specifically with gaming in mind. This switch stands out for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid responsiveness.
Linear and Smooth
The Cherry MX Speed Silver features a linear actuation, which means that it offers a consistent and smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. This linearity is advantageous for gaming, as it allows for quick and predictable keypresses.
Minimal Actuation Force
With an actuation force of 45g, the Cherry MX Speed Silver requires a relatively light touch to register a keystroke. This light force requirement enables swift keypresses, reducing the effort needed to execute in-game actions rapidly.
Short Actuation Distance
One of the key highlights of this switch is its incredibly short actuation distance of 1.2mm. Compared to standard switches, which typically have a 2.0mm actuation distance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver’s 1.2mm actuation point allows for lightning-fast response times. It’s worth noting that this shorter actuation distance can be particularly advantageous in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
Swift Return
The Cherry MX Speed Silver boasts a bottom-out force of 80g, which means that keys return to their original position quickly after each press. This characteristic is crucial for gamers who need rapid key recovery for consecutive keypresses, such as when executing combos or spamming abilities.
Potential for Improved Reaction Times
While there is some debate about whether switches like the Cherry MX Speed Silver can genuinely improve reaction times in gaming, they do offer the potential to shave off milliseconds. These marginal gains may not be noticeable to all gamers, but for competitive players seeking every advantage, the shorter actuation distance could be a valuable feature.
Consideration: Typing Comfort
It’s important to note that the shorter actuation distance, while beneficial for gaming, can make typing on this switch less comfortable for some individuals. Typists who require a more standard typing experience may find the Cherry MX Speed Silver less accommodating for extended typing sessions.
Availability and Pricing
One potential drawback of the Cherry MX Speed Silver is that it can be somewhat challenging to find, and it often comes at a slightly higher price point compared to more readily available switches. However, for gamers who prioritize rapid response times, the investment may be worthwhile.
In summary, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is an excellent choice for gamers who value swift and consistent keypresses. Its linear, smooth, and quiet operation, combined with a short actuation distance, makes it well-suited for competitive gaming scenarios where rapid reaction times can make a difference.
2. Cherry MX Red: Ideal for Gaming
Cherry MX Red Specs:
- Type: Linear
- Feel/Sound: Smooth and Quiet
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Bottom-Out Force: 65g
- Actuation Distance: 2mm
- Travel Distance: 4mm
- Actuation Rating: > 100 million keystrokes
Next up is the Cherry MX Red switch, often considered the “standard” Cherry MX switch and an ideal choice for gaming.
Swift and Smooth
The Cherry MX Red switch is a linear switch, similar to the Cherry MX Speed Silver, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke. It lacks the tactile bump and audible click found in some other switch types, making it suitable for gamers who prefer a straightforward and distraction-free experience.
Low Actuation Force
With an actuation force of 45g, the Cherry MX Red requires a relatively light touch to register a keypress. This light force requirement allows for rapid and effortless keypresses, making it easy to execute in-game actions quickly.
Standard Actuation Distance
The Cherry MX Red has a 2.0mm actuation distance, which is the standard distance for most mechanical switches. While not as short as the Cherry MX Speed Silver’s 1.2mm actuation distance, it still offers a responsive and reliable gaming experience.
Suitable for Rapid Firing
The combination of a smooth linear operation, low actuation force, and standard actuation distance makes the Cherry MX Red an excellent choice for gamers who need to execute rapid, consecutive keypresses. This switch excels in first-person shooter (FPS) games, where quick and precise aiming and shooting are essential.
Rated for Durability
Like many Cherry MX switches, the Cherry MX Red is rated for a remarkable 100 million actuations. This means that it can withstand extensive gaming sessions and heavy use without a significant drop in performance.
Consideration: Typing Comfort
While the Cherry MX Red is fantastic for gaming, some typists may find it less comfortable for extended typing sessions compared to switches with tactile feedback. It’s essential to consider your primary use case when choosing this switch.
In summary, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice for gamers, especially those who enjoy FPS games. Its linear operation, low actuation force, and durability make it a reliable and responsive option for gaming scenarios that demand quick reflexes and precise keypresses.
3. Cherry MX Silent Red: Quiet and Versatile
Cherry MX Silent Red Specs:
- Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Actuation Distance: 1.9mm
- Travel Distance: 3.7mm
- Actuation Rating: > 50 million keystrokes
The Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a balance between gaming performance and a noiseless typing experience, making it a versatile choice for those who need both.
Noiseless Linear Operation
The Cherry MX Silent Red features a linear actuation, similar to the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Cherry MX Red switches. However, what sets it apart is its patented dampening system, which significantly reduces noise during keypresses. This makes it an excellent option for gamers and professionals who require a quiet keyboard.
Moderate Actuation Force
With an actuation force of 45 cN, the Cherry MX Silent Red strikes a balance between light and heavy switches. It provides enough resistance for comfortable typing while remaining suitable for gaming scenarios where quick response times are essential.
Short Pre-Travel Distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red has a pre-travel distance of 1.9 mm, which is shorter than the standard 2.0 mm found in many mechanical switches. While not as short as the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it still offers a relatively quick response.
Moderate Total Travel Distance
With a total travel distance of 3.7 mm, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a comfortable keypress depth for both typing and gaming. It strikes a balance that allows for precise key control without the need for excessive key travel.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Like other Cherry MX switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is built to last, with a rated lifespan of over 50 million keystrokes. This durability ensures that it can withstand prolonged gaming sessions and heavy typing tasks.
Versatile for Both Gaming and Typing
The Cherry MX Silent Red’s combination of a linear, noiseless operation and moderate actuation force makes it suitable for various use cases. Gamers who need a quiet switch for late-night sessions can benefit from its noise-reducing properties, while professionals who require a quiet office environment will appreciate its versatility.
In summary, the Cherry MX Silent Red is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a balance between gaming performance and a noiseless typing experience. Its linear operation, moderate actuation force, and noise-reducing features make it a versatile option for various scenarios.
4. Cherry MX Black: Heavier Keys for Gaming
Cherry MX Black Specs:
- Type: Linear
- Feel/Sound: Smooth and Quiet
- Actuation Force: 60g
- Bottom-Out Force: 85g
- Actuation Distance: 2mm
- Travel Distance: 4mm
- Actuation Rating: > 100 million keystrokes
The Cherry MX Black switch is a robust and heavy-duty option that offers a unique experience for gamers who prefer more substantial keypresses.
Heavier Actuation Force
One of the standout features of the Cherry MX Black is its higher actuation force of 60g. This means that it requires more force to register a keypress compared to switches with lighter actuation forces like the Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver. The added resistance adds a level of “heft” to each keystroke.
Linear and Smooth
Similar to the previous switches discussed, the Cherry MX Black offers a linear and smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. This linear operation provides consistency and precision during gaming sessions.
Quick Key Recovery
With an actuation distance of 2mm and a bottom-out force of 85g, the Cherry MX Black offers quick key recovery. After pressing a key, it returns to its original position rapidly, which can be advantageous for gamers who require rapid consecutive keypresses.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Like other Cherry MX switches, the Cherry MX Black is built to withstand extensive use, with a rated lifespan of 100 million keystrokes. This durability ensures that it can handle demanding gaming scenarios without performance degradation.
Consideration: Actuation Force
The higher actuation force of the Cherry MX Black may not be suitable for all gamers. Some may find it fatiguing during prolonged gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the added resistance for precise control.
In summary, the Cherry MX Black switch is an excellent choice for gamers who prefer heavier keypresses and precise control. Its robust build, linear operation, and durability make it suitable for gaming scenarios that require a bit of extra force behind each keypress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best Cherry MX switch for gaming ultimately depends on your gaming style, preferences, and typing comfort. The Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in providing rapid response times, the Cherry MX Red offers a balanced gaming experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a noiseless and versatile option, and the Cherry MX Black caters to those who prefer heavier keys. Consider your gaming needs and typing habits when making your choice, and you’ll find the perfect Cherry MX switch to enhance your gaming experience.
Kizaru is a fan, collector, and has a huge addiction to mechanical keyboards. Kizaru has a collection of dozens of mechanical keyboards that come in different sizes and use different switches. He also frequently contributes to various forums that discuss keyboards such as Reddit and GeekHack.
