Mx Red vs Mx Speed: Which Mechanical Keyboard Switch?
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which ones will best suit your needs? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the perfect choice for your setup.
We’re putting two popular switch types to the test: MX Red and MX Speed. Both are manufactured by Cherry and are widely used in gaming and general typing keyboards. Understanding their differences is key to optimizing your typing experience.
This comparison will explore the nuances of each switch, from their actuation points and feel to their suitability for different types of users. Whether you’re a gamer, a writer, or simply someone who appreciates a good keyboard, this guide is for you. Let’s find out which switch reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | mx red | mx speed |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Type | Linear | Linear |
| Actuation Force | 45g | 45g |
| Total Travel | 4.0 mm | 3.4 mm |
| Pre-travel | 2.0 mm | 1.2 mm |
| Mounting Style | PCB Mount | PCB Mount |
| Sound Dampening | Yes | Yes |
| Stem Type | MX | MX |
| Material – Top Housing | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Material – Bottom Housing | Nylon PA66 | Nylon PA66 |
| Lubrication | Factory Pre-lubed | Factory Pre-lubed |
| LED Support | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Actuation Force
- Mx Red: Cherry MX Red switches have a light actuation force of 45g. This makes them easy to press and ideal for fast typing and gaming. However, the light touch can lead to accidental key presses for some users.
- Mx Speed: Cherry MX Speed Silver switches also have a 45g actuation force, the same as the Reds. They are also designed to be easy to press and good for gaming.
- Winner: Tie
Actuation Distance
- Mx Red: MX Red switches have a standard actuation distance of 2.0 mm, which is considered a moderate distance. This provides a balance between responsiveness and preventing accidental key presses.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches have a shorter actuation distance of 1.2 mm, making them more responsive and faster for gaming. This allows for quicker key presses, but also increases the chances of accidental key presses.
- Winner: mx speed
Total Travel Distance
- Mx Red: MX Red switches have a total travel distance of 4.0 mm, the standard for Cherry MX switches.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches have a shorter total travel distance of 3.4 mm.
- Winner: mx speed
Tactility
- Mx Red: MX Red switches are linear, meaning they offer no tactile feedback or bump when the key is pressed. This provides a smooth and consistent keystroke feel.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches are also linear, providing the same smooth and consistent keystroke feel as the Reds.
- Winner: Tie
Sound Profile
- Mx Red: MX Red switches are generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches, making them suitable for shared workspaces. The sound is a smooth “thock” sound.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches are also generally quieter, sharing a similar sound profile to the Reds.
- Winner: Tie
Typing Experience
- Mx Red: The linear nature of MX Red switches makes them suitable for fast typing, but the lack of tactile feedback may require a bit of adjustment for some typists.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches are designed for faster typing, and their shorter actuation distance can allow for slightly quicker typing speeds. However, the light actuation force can lead to typos.
- Winner: mx speed
Gaming Performance
- Mx Red: MX Red switches are popular for gaming due to their light actuation force and smooth action, allowing for quick and repeated key presses.
- Mx Speed: MX Speed Silver switches excel in gaming due to their shorter actuation distance, which provides a faster response time. This can give players a slight competitive edge.
- Winner: mx speed
Durability
- Mx Red: Cherry MX Red switches are known for their durability, rated for millions of keystrokes. They are a reliable choice for long-term use.
- Mx Speed: Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are also highly durable, sharing the same high durability rating as the MX Red switches.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Typing Feel | mx red |
| Gaming Speed | mx speed |
| Responsiveness | mx speed |
| Overall Feel | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Switch Type: Both the mx red and mx speed are linear switches, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without a tactile bump.
- Actuation Force: Both switches share the same actuation force of 45g, making them feel similar to press.
- Durability: Both switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, ensuring a long lifespan and reliability.
- Stem Type: Both switches use the standard MX stem, making them compatible with a wide range of keycaps.
- Mounting Style: Both are designed for PCB mounting, which is a common and versatile mounting style.
Mx Red Vs Mx Speed Buying Guide
Typing Experience
Mx Red switches offer a linear typing experience, meaning the key travel is smooth and consistent from top to bottom. This translates to a relatively quiet and effortless typing feel, making them a popular choice for both gaming and general use. They require less force to actuate compared to tactile or clicky switches, which can lead to faster typing speeds for some users. The absence of a tactile bump also contributes to a more fluid and continuous typing rhythm. Consider the environment as linear switches might be too sensitive for some.
Gaming Performance
Mx Speed switches are specifically designed for gaming, offering a significantly faster actuation point and shorter travel distance compared to Mx Red. This allows for quicker response times, giving gamers a competitive edge. The reduced travel distance means the keys register keystrokes faster, enabling rapid-fire actions and minimizing delays. However, the sensitivity can also lead to accidental key presses, requiring a more precise touch. For competitive gaming, the speed advantage is undeniable.
Sound Profile
Mx Red switches are generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches. The linear design produces a soft “thock” sound upon bottoming out, which is less distracting in shared environments. The sound profile can be further customized by using O-rings to dampen the bottom-out sound and reduce noise. If noise is a concern, Mx Red switches are often a good starting point. Conversely, Mx Speed switches have a similar sound profile to Mx Red switches, but the shorter travel distance can change the sound slightly.
Durability and Lifespan
Both Mx Red and Mx Speed switches are renowned for their durability, typically rated for millions of keystrokes. This long lifespan ensures that the switches will withstand heavy use over extended periods. The build quality of Cherry MX switches is generally very high, contributing to their reliability and longevity. Although the internal components are similar, the design of the Mx Speed may lead to slight variations in longevity. They are both a robust choice for long-term use.
Keycap Compatibility
Both Mx Red and Mx Speed switches utilize the standard Cherry MX stem design, ensuring broad keycap compatibility. This means you can easily swap out the stock keycaps for custom sets to personalize the look and feel of your keyboard. The wide availability of keycaps allows for extensive customization, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to your preferences. Consider the profile and material of the keycaps to further enhance your typing experience. Keycap choice impacts both aesthetics and typing feel.
Price and Availability
Mx Red and Mx Speed switches are generally comparable in price and widely available from various retailers. The cost of individual switches or keyboards featuring these switches is competitive. Availability is also high, making it easy to find keyboards with these switches. Prices can fluctuate depending on the brand and features of the keyboard, but the switches themselves are typically within a similar price range. Shop around to find the best deals and the right keyboard for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy mx red If…
- You prefer a slightly longer travel distance.
- You want a smooth and consistent typing experience.
- You want a switch that is easy to actuate.
- You prioritize a balance between gaming and typing.
Buy mx speed If…
- You want the fastest possible actuation for competitive gaming.
- You prefer a shorter pre-travel distance.
- You want a switch that is very responsive.
- You value a very light and quick touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Mx Red and Mx Speed?
The primary difference lies in the actuation point and travel distance. Mx Speed switches have a shorter actuation point and travel distance compared to Mx Red, resulting in faster response times. Mx Speed switches are engineered for speed, while Mx Red focuses on a balance between typing and gaming.
Which switch is better for gaming?
Mx Speed switches are generally considered better for gaming due to their faster response times and shorter actuation point. This allows for quicker reactions and potentially gives gamers a competitive edge. The faster actuation can be beneficial in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
Which switch is better for typing?
Mx Red switches are often preferred for typing due to their smooth, linear feel and relatively quiet operation. The consistent feel from top to bottom makes typing effortless. The absence of a tactile bump provides a more fluid typing experience.
Do Mx Speed switches require more force to actuate?
No, both Mx Red and Mx Speed switches typically have similar actuation force requirements. The primary difference is the distance the key needs to travel before registering the keystroke, not the force required to activate it. Both are relatively light to actuate.
Are Mx Speed switches louder than Mx Red switches?
Generally, Mx Speed switches are similarly quiet to Mx Red switches. The sound profile largely depends on the keycaps and keyboard case design. Both are linear switches, so they don’t produce the distinct click sound of clicky switches. However, shorter travel can make them sound slightly different.
Can I swap keycaps between Mx Red and Mx Speed switches?
Yes, both Mx Red and Mx Speed switches utilize the Cherry MX stem design, making them compatible with most keycaps. This allows you to customize the look and feel of your keyboard with different keycap sets. The versatility of MX stem designs is a huge advantage.
Which switch is better for beginners?
Mx Red switches are often recommended for beginners due to their more forgiving feel and balance between gaming and typing. The smooth, linear feel is easy to get used to. Mx Speed switches may require a bit more adjustment due to their sensitivity.
Final Verdict
Mx Red offers a balanced experience suitable for both typing and gaming, providing a smooth and comfortable feel. Mx Speed excels in gaming scenarios, prioritizing speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences; gamers seeking the fastest response times should favor Mx Speed, while those prioritizing a versatile typing experience may prefer Mx Red.
Winner: Mx Speed