HMX Game1989 vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there's a spectrum of options that cater to different preferences, and two noteworthy selections are the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky feel, making it an exceptional choice for gamers and typists who crave a rich tactile experience with every keystroke. Its distinct sound profile adds an engaging element to your typing, enhancing the overall experience, while its unique characteristics set it apart from more conventional switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers the familiar smoothness of the MX Red but is designed for a quieter operation, appealing to those who work in noise-sensitive environments or who prefer a more discreet typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying heft of each keypress. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they provide different auditory and tactile experiences that can greatly impact your keyboard journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX 1989 and the Cherry MX Silent Red, the most significant contrast lies in the materials used for their top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile during keypresses. This material not only accentuates the acoustic clarity of each keystroke but is also advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the transparency allows light to pass through more efficiently. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red opts for a nylon top housing which, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound and generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Users typing on the Silent Red may find the auditory experience warmer and less piercing compared to the HMX 1989.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and Cherry MX Silent Red share the same material—nylon. This creates a remarkable similarity in the bottom-out sound and feel across both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer acoustic signature that cushions keystrokes, leading to a more rounded and muted response, regardless of the switch's brand. Given that the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the keystroke's bottom-out phase, users of either switch will enjoy a deep, satisfying experience, reflecting the classic characteristics associated with nylon.
Ultimately, while the top housings significantly impact the switches' sound profiles—resulting in differences between the HMX 1989's crisp sounds and the Cherry MX Silent Red's muted acoustics—the shared nylon material of the bottom housings provides a common ground. This established material in both switches ensures that the fundamental typing feel remains consistent, allowing users to achieve similar tactile satisfaction. Thus, while the auditory experience may differ due to their respective top housing materials, the compatibility of nylon in both bottom housings lends a cohesive element to the typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity makes them appealing for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended sessions at work or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs: the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a slightly heavier experience when the key is fully pressed down, while the Cherry MX Silent Red does not have a specified bottom out force. This means that the 1989 switch provides a more substantial feel during bottoming out, making it potentially more satisfying for those who enjoy firmer feedback. In summary, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option when it comes to bottoming out, offering a distinct tactile sensation for users who prefer that weighty feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the HMX 1989 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference signifies that the HMX 1989 offers a more traditional and deeper feel when typing, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers. Therefore, if you favor a more pronounced depth in key presses, the HMX 1989 would be your best choice, while the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more appealing for those who opt for a snappier actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for its deep, thocky audio profile, producing a satisfying and rich acoustics reminiscent of a soft thud or gentle knock each time a key is pressed or released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a more subdued auditory experience with its muted sound signature. It effectively minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment. While both switches can provide enjoyable sound experiences, the HMX 1989 leans into a pronounced thockiness that appeals to users who appreciate a more resonant feedback, while the MX Silent Red caters to those seeking discretion without sacrificing too much of that satisfying mechanical feel.
Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 switch is recognized for its overall smoothness and responsiveness, although specifics about its unique tactile characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its somewhat textured feel, which can give a sensation of slight friction during key presses. This may appeal to typists who enjoy a tactile, albeit subtle, feedback while still benefitting from the linear action that these switches offer. Therefore, if you prefer a purely smooth experience, the HMX 1989 may suit you better, but for those who appreciate a textured feel, the Silent Red could be a more fitting choice.
Taking into account all these qualities, the HMX 1989 impresses with its thocky sound and smooth feel, while the Cherry MX Silent Red stands out through its silent operation paired with a textured touch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: If you desire a distinctive auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke, the HMX 1989 is your go-to; however, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a hint of texture, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a strong contender. Thus, your decision should be influenced by whether you prioritize sound or feel in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences and the specific environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force coupled with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for a deep and rich auditory feedback while gaming or typing. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile pleasure of key presses, particularly in a more casual setting where noise isn’t a concern. On the other hand, if you're seeking a quieter operation for a noise-sensitive environment, such as an office or shared space, the Cherry MX Silent Red would suit you better. While it mirrors the classic feel of the MX Red with its slightly heftier resistance, it eliminates the auditory distractions thanks to its muted sound design. This makes it an optimal choice for long typing sessions where you want to maintain a peaceful ambiance. Ultimately, consider how you prioritize sound, tactile feedback, and the environment you work in when deciding between these two exceptional linear switches.
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