Outemu Crystal vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are several key factors to consider. The Outemu Crystal offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a linear switch that is both comfortable and engaging to use. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own distinct sound profiles, with the Crystal being categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', while the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Silent Red, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This creates a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Red features a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see a similar distinction between the two switches. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing echoes the qualities of its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different tactile feedback to users. The choice of bottom housing material can play a significant role in determining the overall feel and sound of the switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal and Cherry MX Silent Red differ in material composition, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles. Whether it be the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Crystal's polycarbonate housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the Silent Red's nylon housing, users can expect a distinct tactile feedback with each press of a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Outemu Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. The Outemu Crystal is considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, providing a relatively light typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of weight. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter weight can allow for longer typing sessions, while a heavier weight can provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Crystal switch. The 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact how each switch feels when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Outemu Crystal switch. Both switches offer similar results in terms of overall performance, but the difference in travel distance may appeal to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch provides a polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially offering users a different tactile feedback with noticeable friction when pressed.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a slightly more elastic and medium-light typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch delivers a similar typing feel with its slightly heftier operation but distinctively quieter sound profile. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you enjoy a unique, somewhat elastic feel with a medium-light weight and neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a silent operation and a significantly quieter sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel and sound profile over noise level in your environment.
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