Cherry MX Speed Silver Key Switches - Plate Mounted 120 Pack

In this review the Ranked Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are evaluated for gamers and DIY keyboard builders who need a fast, linear actuation. The bottom line: these plate mounted, 3-pin switches deliver a predictable, low-resistance press with a 1.2mm pre-travel and a 45cN actuation force that favors rapid key repeats and competitive play. The review focuses on real-world usability, build quality, and installation, so readers can decide if these switches suit hot-swap boards or a custom plate-mounted build.

Key Features

• Linear actuation: The Cherry MX Speed Silver design gives a smooth, consistent key travel without tactile bumps for fast, responsive gaming.
• Short pre-travel: With a 1.2mm pre-travel these switches register inputs earlier, which benefits rapid double-taps and quick in-game reactions.
• Durable contacts: Rated for over 50 million keystrokes, the self-cleaning contacts resist dust and maintain consistent actuation over long use.
• Plate mounted 3-pin: The high compatibility 3-pin layout works with many PCBs and is intended for plate-mounted setups and common DIY keyboards.
• Includes puller: A switch remover is included to make installation and maintenance easier when swapping switches.

Who It's For

These switches are best for competitive gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a fast, linear feel and want reliable, low-latency key presses. They suit hot-swap compatible mechanical gaming keyboards and plate-mounted custom builds where short pre-travel and repeatability matter.

People who prefer tactile or clicky feedback, or who are building boards that require 5-pin mounting or different actuation weights, should look elsewhere. Also, those who need guaranteed perfect fit with every aftermarket case should be aware that a few users reported installation difficulty or bending during mounting.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast, smooth linear travel ideal for rapid key presses in gaming.
• Durable construction with self-cleaning contacts for long-term reliability.
• Short 1.2mm pre-travel and 45cN actuation suit competitive play and quick input.
• Includes a switch remover to aid installation and maintenance.

Cons

• Some users report mixed installation experiences and occasional stem bending when mounting; care is needed during installation.
• Not suitable for those who prefer tactile or clicky switches since these are strictly linear.

Specifications

Model	MX1A-51NN
Switch type	Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear
Pre-travel	1.2mm
Total travel	3.4mm
Actuation force	45cN
Mounting	Plate mounted, 3-pin
Durability	Over 50 million keystrokes

Our Verdict

Ranked Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are a sensible choice for gamers and builders who want a reliable, fast linear switch with short actuation and long lifespan. They represent good value for anyone prioritizing speed and consistency in a plate-mounted, 3-pin package, provided careful installation to avoid stem bending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these compatible with hot-swap PCBs?
Yes, the 3-pin plate mounted design works with many hot-swap PCBs and plate-mounted builds, though verify your board supports 3-pin switches.

Do they make a loud click?
No, these are linear switches and are generally quiet; customers commonly report low noise levels compared with clicky switches.

How long do they last?
Cherry rates the switches for over 50 million keystrokes and the self-cleaning contacts help maintain performance over time.