Choosing between high-performance linear switches comes down to a fundamental mechanical split: trigger resistance and travel depth. The GLORIOUS Kailh Speed Silver Mechanical Keyboard Switches deliver an ultra-light 38gf actuation force paired with an aggressive 1.1mm actuation point, maximizing immediate actuation speed at the risk of accidental presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Key Switches for Mechanical Gaming Keyboards utilize a firmer 45cN actuation spring and a 1.2mm pre-travel distance, creating a more deliberate keystroke designed to filter out unintended inputs.
Gamers demanding the fastest possible physical response in twitch esports should lean toward Kailh, while typists and players who frequently rest heavy fingers on the keyboard deck will find better accuracy with Cherry MX.
Kailh Speed Silver vs Cherry MX Speed Silver at a Glance
| Feature | Kailh Speed Silver | Cherry MX Speed Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 38gf | 45cN |
| Actuation Point (Pre-Travel) | 1.1mm | 1.2mm |
| Bottom-Out Force | 50gf | The listing does not specify |
| Total Travel Distance | 3.5±0.3mm | 3.4mm |
| Rated Lifespan | 80 million keystrokes | Over 50 million keystrokes |
| Factory Lubrication | Pre-lubricated (Super Speed variant) | The listing does not specify |
| Electrical Contacts | Copper contacts | Self-cleaning, dust- and dirt-resistant contacts |
| Mounting Compatibility | 3-pin plate mount / through-hole | 3-pin plate mount |
| Bundled Accessories | None listed | Switch puller / remover tool included |
| Best For | Ultra-fast twitch reflexes and light-touch gaming | Controlled rapid actuation with error prevention |
Actuation Force and Spring Resistance
Actuation force dictates how much downward finger effort is needed before a keystroke registers on the screen. In linear gaming switches, a lighter spring allows players to execute rapid double-taps and sudden direction changes with negligible physical fatigue. The 70 PCS Kailh Super Speed Silver MX SMD 3 Pin RGB Switches set an exceptionally low threshold with a 38gf actuation force and a 50gf bottom-out force. This feathery weight makes the switch feel almost weightless during fast-paced play, enabling seamless inputs during prolonged gaming sessions.
By comparison, Cherry MX engineers its Speed Silver switch with a 45cN actuation force. That 7cN gap between the two might sound minute on paper, but under active fingers it transforms the feel of the switch. A 45cN spring provides a noticeable amount of upward counter-pressure. When deciding between Kailh Speed Silver or Cherry MX Speed Silver for gaming, this difference defines how safely you can rest your fingers on the WASD keys. Kailh’s light resistance will bottom out under even modest finger resting weight, whereas the Cherry MX spring pushes back enough to prevent accidental skill triggers or misdirected movement.
The trade-off comes down to twitch reflexes versus input stability. The lighter Kailh Speed Silver actuation force excels when maximum input speed is paramount, while Cherry MX provides an engineered resistance cushion that helps eliminate catastrophic mispresses in high-stakes matches.
Edge: Kailh Speed Silver for players seeking the lowest possible input resistance, while Cherry MX remains preferable for those avoiding accidental keypresses.
Pre-Travel Distance and Actuation Point
Pre-travel-often referred to as the actuation point-is the distance the switch stem must physically slide downward before bridging the electrical contact. Standard mechanical switches typically actuate at 2.0mm, but speed switches cut this distance drastically. For competitive gamers who track actuation depth closely, understanding the Cherry MX Speed Silver actuation point is crucial: Cherry MX triggers at 1.2mm within a 3.4mm total travel distance. This engineering design shortens the physical delay between your mental command and the on-screen action.
Kailh pushes that boundary even further. The Kailh Speed Silver switches feature an ultra-fast 1.1mm actuation point alongside a 3.5±0.3mm total travel distance. This 0.1mm reduction gives Kailh a hair-trigger feel that registers slightly earlier in the downward stroke than Cherry MX. For gamers who enjoy analyzing switch dynamics, exploring a cherry mx red vs cherry mx speed silver matchup shows how these shortened travel distances compare against standard 2.0mm linear stems.
When measuring total throw, the Cherry MX Speed Silver travel distance bottoms out at 3.4mm, which is marginally shorter than Kailh’s 3.5mm stroke. However, actuation speed is governed by the top of the stroke rather than the bottom. Because Kailh triggers 0.1mm higher in the downstroke with a lighter spring, it activates earlier in the keypress cycle, providing the fastest mechanical response of the two designs.
Edge: Kailh Speed Silver for its higher 1.1mm trigger point that cuts physical response delay.
Durability, Switch Contacts, and Reliability
Durability ratings measure how long a switch mechanism can endure rapid, repetitive bottoming-out without suffering key chatter or registration failure. The Kailh Super Speed Silver listing rates its lifespan at 80 million keystrokes, utilizing internal copper contact architecture. This higher theoretical ceiling offers exceptional longevity for competitive players who put hundreds of hours into high-APM (actions-per-minute) titles each month. Anyone compiling a comprehensive Kailh Speed Silver review will note that this 80-million-keystroke figure exceeds standard mechanical switch lifespans across the board.
Cherry MX lists its switches at over 50 million keystrokes with no loss of quality, but it complements that benchmark with specialized internal engineering. The Ranked Cherry MX Key Switches for Mechanical Gaming Keyboards feature self-cleaning contacts engineered to resist dust and dirt accumulation. In open-frame keyboards or dusty room environments, debris can slip past the stem housing and settle on the contact leaves. Cherry’s self-cleaning contact design helps prevent dead inputs and chatter caused by particle contamination, maintaining stable electrical continuity over years of heavy use.
While Kailh claims an extra 30 million cycles on paper, Cherry’s integrated dust- and dirt-resistant contact design provides practical protection against common environmental failures. To see how standard linear designs fare against tactile variants over time, looking into cherry mx red vs cherry mx brown highlights Cherry’s longstanding contact switch reliability.
Edge: Tie, as Kailh offers a higher 80-million-keystroke rating while Cherry MX provides self-cleaning, dirt-resistant contact engineering.
Smoothness, Factory Treatment, and Acoustics
Switch smoothness directly shapes the typing feel and sound signature of a mechanical keyboard. Scratchy linear stems introduce unwanted friction that degrades speed and alters the auditory profile of the board. The Kailh Super Speed Silver specification notes that its switches come pre-lubricated straight from the factory. This lubricant layer smooths out the contact between the POM stem and the switch housing rails, minimizing scratchiness right out of the packaging without requiring the user to manually disassemble individual housings.
Additionally, Glorious highlights silent, quiet operation for its Kailh Speed Silver pack, making it well-suited for shared living environments, office spaces, or late-night streaming setups. Cherry MX listings, on the other hand, do not specify factory pre-lubrication. While Cherry’s precision molding ensures consistent stem sliding, unlubricated linear switches can produce a faint friction sound and a slightly rougher initial key glide compared to factory-treated switches.
If you prefer an effortless out-of-the-box glide without investing hours in DIY switch modding, the pre-lubricated Kailh switches hold a tangible advantage. Readers weighing different brand treatments can examine a gateron brown vs cherry mx brown breakdown to see how various switch manufacturers approach housing friction and stem feedback.
Edge: Kailh Speed Silver for its factory pre-lubricated stem design and quiet acoustic profile.
Packaging, Included Accessories, and Keyboard Compatibility
Upgrading or custom-building a keyboard requires matching switch pin counts and securing the necessary modification tools. Both Kailh and Cherry MX speed options feature standard 3-pin plate-mounted configurations, making them broadly compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swappable keyboard sockets. Glorious offers Kailh Speed Silver in a 120-pack intended for DIY repairs, full-sized keyboard builds, and custom projects. The manufacturer backs its pack with a 1-year limited warranty.
Ranked packages its Cherry MX Speed Silver switches in convenient 90-pack and 120-pack configurations, catering to compact 75% or tenkeyless keyboards as well as full 104-key layouts. More importantly, both Ranked Cherry MX packages include a dedicated switch puller tool inside the box. When swapping switches on a hot-swap circuit board, an included extraction tool prevents housing damage and saves the builder from buying separate tools.
While the Kailh switches are readily compatible with mechanical keyboards across PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles, Cherry MX’s bundled switch puller makes the installation process much simpler for DIY builders working with hot-swap setups right out of the box.
Edge: Cherry MX Speed Silver for bundling a dedicated switch puller tool with both 90-count and 120-count packages.
Pros and Cons
Kailh Speed Silver
Pros
- Light 38gf actuation force
- Ultra-fast 1.1mm pre-travel distance
- Factory pre-lubricated for smooth glide
- 80 million keystroke lifespan rating
Cons
- Prone to accidental key triggers
- No switch puller tool included
View GLORIOUS Kailh Speed Silver Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Pros
- Firmer 45cN spring prevents misclicks
- Self-cleaning dust and dirt resistant contacts
- Switch puller tool included in pack
- Short 3.4mm total travel distance
Cons
- Listing does not specify factory lubrication
- Lower 50M keystroke rating than Kailh
View Cherry MX Key Switches Mechanical on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Kailh Speed Silver If
- You play high-intensity competitive FPS, rhythm, or battle royale games where an ultra-light 38gf spring reduces finger fatigue.
- You want a hair-trigger 1.1mm pre-travel distance that registers keystrokes slightly faster than traditional linear switches.
- You prefer factory pre-lubricated switches that provide smooth travel and quiet operation right out of the box without manual modding.
- You value an 80-million keystroke lifespan rating for heavy daily gaming sessions.
Choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver If
- You find yourself accidentally triggering abilities because your fingers rest heavily on the keycaps, making the 45cN spring ideal.
- You need an all-in-one upgrade kit that includes a switch puller tool inside the box for easy hot-swap installation.
- You operate your keyboard in environments prone to dust or debris and want self-cleaning, dirt-resistant switch contacts.
- You want a predictable 1.2mm actuation point paired with a compact 3.4mm bottom-out distance for crisp mechanical feedback.
Final Verdict
For most competitive players looking strictly at raw performance metrics, the Kailh Speed Silver switches take the victory. By combining a 38gf actuation force with a shallow 1.1mm actuation point, Kailh removes physical resistance from the equation. When comparing Kailh Speed Silver vs Cherry MX for esports, Kailh’s pre-lubricated linear travel and 80-million keystroke durability provide a remarkably smooth, effortless keystroke that gives twitch reflexes maximum room to shine.
However, when asking is Cherry MX Speed Silver worth it, the answer is a clear yes for players who value control and practical package inclusions. The firmer 45cN spring on the Cherry MX Speed Silver acts as a physical barrier against accidental clicks, preventing costly mistakes during intense matches and everyday typing. Combined with self-cleaning contacts and an included switch remover tool, Cherry MX delivers a dependable, contamination-resistant solution for builders who want speed without excessive sensitivity.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Kailh Speed Silver and Cherry MX Speed Silver?
The primary differences lie in actuation force and pre-travel distance. Kailh features a lighter 38gf actuation force and an ultra-shallow 1.1mm actuation point, whereas Cherry MX utilizes a firmer 45cN spring with a 1.2mm actuation point and self-cleaning contacts.
Are Kailh Speed Silver switches suitable for everyday typing?
Kailh Speed Silver switches can be used for typing, but their 38gf weight and 1.1mm pre-travel make them sensitive to accidental keypresses. Users who rest their hands heavily on the keyboard may experience more frequent typos compared to using firmer switches. For clicky typing feedback comparisons, look at our kailh box white vs cherry mx blue guide.
Do Cherry MX Speed Silver switches come with a switch puller?
Yes, the Ranked Cherry MX Speed Silver packages in both 90-count and 120-count configurations include a switch remover tool inside the box, simplifying installation on hot-swappable keyboards.
Are Kailh Speed Silver switches pre-lubed from the factory?
The Kailh Super Speed Silver variant explicitly lists pre-lubrication from the factory, which delivers a smooth keystroke and reduces stem friction right out of the packaging.
Can I install these switches on any mechanical keyboard?
Both switches use standard 3-pin plate-mount designs compatible with most hot-swappable mechanical keyboards supporting 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style sockets. Non-hot-swap boards will require desoldering and soldering to replace existing switches.
What is the rated lifespan of Cherry MX Speed Silver compared to Kailh?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver listing specifies a lifespan of over 50 million keystrokes with self-cleaning contacts, while the Kailh Super Speed Silver listing specifies an 80 million keystroke lifetime.
