The Cherry MX Silver switch is a lighter linear switch, mimicking the Cherry MX Red switches in their similarity in actuation force. Everything other than that is different. The Cherry MX Silver has a short total distance of 3.4mm and an even shorter actuation point distance at 1.2mm.
The upper housing of the Cherry MX Silver switch, along with all other true Cherry MXs, is made out of a CAD (computer-aided design) component of plastic polymer. This low tolerance lets the component guide the switch meticulously, creating the keyswitch's switching mechanism housing. And like all Cherrys, you have the option of RGB LED back lighting.
Cherry MX Silver Facts
-
Actuation Force
45cN
Actuation Point
1.2mm
Tot. Travel Distance
3.4mm
Behavior
Linear
Noise Level
Quiet
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Linear Switches
According to Meesh, Computer Product Analyst, "I am going to, yet again, be a broken record with explaining what linear and tactile switches are. But it's good to know what they are and what switches they refer to. Linear switches are smooth and provide a consistent actuation resulting in very little tactile feedback." Okay so what is tactile feedback? If a switch is tactile, before the key bottoms out at the end of it's travel, it has a bump in response to your finger pushing down at the point of which the press registers. Cherry MX Silvers are linear, so this means you will not be experiencing any tactile feedback aka no bump. Linear switches are a type of switch that are typically quiet and more consistent in their entire movement. Linear switches are preferred by gamers and writers alike.
Cherry MX Silvers
I personally am extremely excited as I wait for my new keyboard with Cherry MX Silver switches to come in. I mean, it's a beautiful board anyways, but I want to get my fingers onto those keys and work this new update to Left For Dead 2, The Last Stand. I mean really, I'm excited to play with all of my games with these switches. A gamers dream?
EDIT: I got my keyboard in and woah, yeah, these are fast suckers. Gaming with them is really nice, especially when it comes to fast moving games that require some precision and handling, for instance Apex Legends.
The Silvers are very similar to the Cherry MX Reds. Except Silvers are notably faster with a shorter travel distance and actuation point. So obviously, this by far has become one of the best switches for gaming.
The
Cherry MX Silver switch feels different.
That's very important to note. When pressing on the Silver switch,
there is a noticeable lack of depth; aka it feels like you're not
making as much of an effort to bottom out your switch in comparison
to a Cherry MX Red switch, for example (since they're so similar and
all). Of course that makes sense considering it's tying back into the
size of the actuation point! It is a very swift hit, if that makes sense.
Let me make a point to say that while the silver switches are great for gaming, they are too fast for me when it comes to typing. I am constantly making mistakes, tiny little mistakes, when I type. This is not the type of keyboard I would suggest someone to use if they were looking for something to type regularly with. Albeit, yes, because the switches are fast you can write type yourself, but you are guaranteed to have spelling errors.
What Are Some Other Choices?
There are other choices for silver switches, besides Cherry MX Silver. With this becoming a very popular choice for gaming, which is also very popular, other brands are jumping on the bandwagon to make their own. Whether they are like the Cherrys, well, that will be up to preference.
Logitech's Romer-G
-
Actuation Force
45cN
Actuation Point
1.5mm
Tot. Travel Distance
3.2mm
Behavior
Linear
Noise Level
Quiet
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Logitech has come out with their own switch that is a variation of the silver switch, the Romer-G. The Romer-G has two different kinds of switches – a tactile and linear version. The silver Romer-G is linear. These switches mimic the Cherry MX Brown switches, as in they are quieter and have a more shallow feel (which the Cherry MX Silvers also have). This is great for fast paced video gaming. The LED lights are also centered in the midde of the switch, which makes the key look more uniform.
Unfortunately, since these are one of a kind, meaning Logitech only, you can't swap out your keys like you could with Cherry MX stems. Unless you can find customized Logitec Romer-G caps, if you wear one down, break it, lose it, etc. you can't just buy another set off Amazon. Another problem that gamers tend to come across with the Romer-Gs are the mushy feeling that you get when you press the key, almost as if it's a membrane rather than mechanical.
Kailh Silvers
-
Actuation Force
40cN
Actuation Point
~1.1mm
Tot. Travel Distance
3.5mm
Behavior
Linear
Noise Level
Quiet
Lifespan
70-80 million keystrokes
The Kailh Silver switches are fast switches, as you can see with their total travel distance and actuation force. If you're looking to play quickly, these are a good switch to look into. Maybe not on the typing, however. It's very easy to miss keys and misspell. The Kailh silvers are said to be less exhaustive than the Cherry MX Silvers. And if you're curious, if you want to buy a board with them, the HyperX Alloy provides an option with Kailh Silvers.
If you are looking for some quick choices that are not linear, Kailh also makes the tactile variety Coppers.
Comments
Post a Comment