| Switch Type: | Linear |
| Mount Type: | PC Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 1.1mm Actuation | 3.5mm Total |
| Force: | 40g Operating |
| Stem Length (mm): | 13.68 |
| Price: | $31.00 (110 pieces) on Kailh |
The Kailh Speed Silver is a clone of the Cherry MX Silver – a lightly weighted, high actuating linear switch designed for gaming in mind.
TL;DR
This is by far the worst performing ‘Speed’ switch I’ve come across – they’re scratchy and inconsistent. Plus, on my batch, the switches actuated at different points, so they cannot be relied on for most gaming scenarios. Furthermore, they also have slight weighting differences between them which makes them even more unreliable.
Smoothness: 4/10
On-centre keypresses are a mixed bag with some switches being scratchier than others. Although, I wouldn’t classify any of them as “smooth”.
Off-centre keypresses are substantially scratchier with very noticeable inconsistencies, as well as light binding especially when pressed very slowly.
Overall, these are below average smoothness wise. So, have some lube ready if you’re planning on buying these.
Kailh Speed Silver switch disassembled.
Weighting: 4/10
According to Kailh, these switches have an actuation force of 40g at 1.1mm, and have a total travel of 3.5mm.
In the real world, they feel slightly heavier than what the force curve suggests. They feel anywhere from 45-50g. I was initially surprised that I didn’t find them as light as other speed switches. However, these switches have significant weighting discrepancies as the weighting varies from switch to switch making them quite irritating to sometimes use.
Moreover, the actuation point also varies slightly, so I don’t actually know where the “true” actuation point is. Of course, this being a speed switch, it’s still higher than usual which isn’t to my preference.
Overall, I prefer how these switches are weighted compared to other speed switches given these are slightly heavier. But, their weighting and actuation point inconsistencies make them very undesirable.
Sound: 4/10
They don’t sound all that great given their scratchy nature. So, apart from them sounding clacky due to my case; they’re nothing special.
Overall, they aren’t offensively horrendous… just below average.
The Kailh Speed Silver stem length is 13.68 mm.
Typing Performance: 4/10
Typing isn’t what springs to mind when it comes to speed switches, and so there’s some downsides with them here. Let’s see what those are…
Firstly, these are VERY sensitive for typing. I made more typos with them compared to other switches given their high actuation point.
Secondly, even though these are heavier than some speed switches (which they aren’t supposed to be), they’re still lightly weighted which isn’t to my preference. Pair this with a high actuating switch and you’re bound to have plenty of accidental keypresses.
Finally, these switches are very scratchy and highly inconsistent which don’t make for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, they’re not absolutely horrible to type on, but they’re worse than average. I would’ve been more okay with them if they were smoother and more consistent.
Gaming Performance: 4/10
Similarly with typing, I found these too sensitive and too light for my preference.
In fact, these were so sensitive that I often found myself accidentally actuating movement keys (WASD) when normally leaning on them! This was the case even after a week of usage.
Additionally, their slight weighting and actuation point inconsistencies were noticeable in both fast and slow-paced games. This didn’t have a huge impact on my performance, but I’m a casual gamer. So, if I noticed it, I’m sure many more serious gamers will too.
Furthermore, their scratchiness did not help in any way. Out of all the issues this switch has, its scratchiness is the least important aspect… that should tell you something.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend these for gaming (or for anything really). There are better switches out there like the Gateron Pro V3 Silver or the Akko POM Silver.
Final Score = 20/50 (40%)
Places to purchase this switch:
Kailh | AliExpress | Amazon