Silicone Firmness Explained: Soft vs. Medium vs. Firm in Our Toys
By Strange Bedfellas Shop | Published: 2026-09-12
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how silicone firmness affects the feel and use of our toys. Compare soft, medium, and firm options with practical advice for choosing the right one.
Quick Answer
Silicone firmness in our toys is measured by Shore hardness, with Super Soft around 0020, Soft around 0030, and Medium around 0050. Softer silicones bend and squish more, while firmer ones hold their shape and provide more pressure. Your choice should match your comfort level and how you plan to use the toy.
When you're browsing our shop, you'll see each toy listed with a firmness like Super Soft, Soft, or Medium. These aren't just labels—they change how the toy feels and behaves. Understanding the differences helps you pick a toy that feels right for you, whether you're new or experienced.
In this guide, we answer common questions about silicone firmness. We'll explain what the numbers mean, how each firmness feels, and which one might suit your needs. We'll also look at a few specific toys so you can see how firmness affects real products.
What Do the Firmness Numbers Mean?
In our shop, firmness is described using Shore hardness numbers. Super Soft is about 0020, Soft is about 0030, and Medium is about 0050. These numbers reflect how hard the silicone is, with lower numbers being softer and more flexible. This is a standard way to measure silicone firmness across the industry.
The Shore scale helps you compare toys from different brands and understand what to expect. A lower Shore number means the toy will bend and squish more easily, while a higher number means it will be stiffer and hold its shape. Knowing this can guide you when you're deciding between options.
- Super Soft (0020): Very flexible, squishy, and gentle.
- Soft (0030): Slightly firmer, still bends easily but with more structure.
- Medium (0050): Noticeably firmer, holds its shape well, provides more pressure.
How Does Firmness Affect the Feel of a Toy?
Firmness changes how a toy feels when you touch it and when you use it. A super soft toy has a lot of give, so it can bend to accommodate your body. It feels plush and forgiving, which is great if you're trying something new or you prefer gentle pressure. On the other hand, a medium toy is stiffer and provides more of a present, filling sensation.
Firmness also affects how texture is perceived. On a softer toy, ridges and bumps feel less pronounced because the silicone compresses. On a firmer toy, the same texture feels more defined. If you enjoy strong texture, you might prefer a firmer option; if you like subtle, gentle stimulation, a softer toy could be better.
- Softer silicones tend to feel smoother and more forgiving.
- Firmer silicones provide more consistent pressure and clearer texture.
- Consider what kind of stimulation you enjoy before choosing.
Which Firmness Is Best for Beginners?
If you're new to silicone toys, starting with a softer firmness is often a good idea. Super soft or soft toys are more flexible, which makes them easier to insert gently and adjust. They also tend to be more comfortable for longer periods of time.
That said, some people prefer a firmer toy because it's easier to hold and direct. Medium firmness provides a balance—it still has some give but is not too floppy. The best choice depends on your comfort and what you want the toy to do.
- Super soft is very forgiving and gentle.
- Soft is a popular choice for many users.
- Medium offers more structure for guided use.
How Does Firmness Affect Texture and Pressure?
Texture on a softer toy feels less intense because the silicone compresses under pressure. On a firmer toy, texture stands out more and can provide stronger stimulation. If you like pronounced ridges or bumps, a medium or firm toy might be better for you.
Pressure is similar: softer toys distribute pressure more gently, while firmer toys concentrate pressure in a more defined way. This can be important for internal use, where you might want deeper pressure in specific spots. Think about the kind of sensation you're looking for.
- Softer = subtle texture, gentle pressure.
- Firmer = more defined texture, stronger pressure.
- Match firmness to your preferred level of sensation.
Quick Firmness Checklist
- What firmness should I choose?
- Base your choice on your comfort and experience level. Beginners often prefer Super Soft or Soft, while those who enjoy more pressure may like Medium. Start with a softer option if unsure.
- How does firmness affect cleaning?
- Softer silicones are more flexible but may attract lint and dust. Firm silicones are easier to handle during washing. All can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Both firmness levels are easy to care for with proper cleaning.
- Can I get the same toy in different firmnesses?
- Our products are made in specific firmnesses, and not every toy is available in all options. Check the product page for details. Read the firmness listed on each product before buying.
How Firmness Plays Out in Real Toys
- Medium Batou -- Super Soft silicone -- B-3184: This toy is Super Soft (0020) and has a head diameter of 1.7 inches and a widest shaft diameter of 2 inches. In Super Soft, Batou will bend easily and feel plush, which can make its thicker head and shaft more forgiving during use.
- Medium Xymon -- Soft silicone -- X-596: This grinder is Soft (0030) and designed for external use to rub your body against, with different types of textures. Soft firmness gives a bit of structure to the grinder's textures while still feeling gentle on the skin, which is a good balance for external stimulation.
- Medium Stahl -- Medium silicone -- OF-S-140: This toy is Medium (0050) and has a head diameter of 1.2 inches and a widest shaft diameter of 1.4 inches. Medium firmness makes Stahl firmer and more defined in shape, which can provide clearer texture and pressure during use.
Understanding silicone firmness helps you choose a toy that feels comfortable and provides the sensation you want. Remember to check the specific shore hardness on each product page and consider how you plan to use the toy. When in doubt, a softer firmness is often a safe starting point.



