Bsun Hutt vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The Hutt switch stands out for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience characterized by its snappy, invigorating, sharp, accented, and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the MX Red is a well-known Cherry switch loved for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a combination of responsiveness and satisfying auditory depth described as thocky, low-pitched, and textured. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences, but by diving deeper into their features, you can make a more informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile elicited by the softer nylon plastic. However, the Bsun Hutt features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing materials may result in a more resonant sound and aesthetic translucency for the Bsun Hutt, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. This commonality means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when bottoming out keys. However, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the Bsun Hutt's polycarbonate top housing. The Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Bsun Hutt's sharper and crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Red play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, the different top housing materials present distinct sound profiles. The Bsun Hutt's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall user experience with mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that the Hutt is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Hutt is also lighter at 49 grams, whereas the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Hutt make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Red may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more pronounced typing experience. While the actuation forces differ slightly, both switches offer a smooth typing experience that can cater to different preferences depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Hutt tactile switch. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, who prefer faster response times, may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Bsun Hutt switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more deliberate and deeper keypress may prefer the longer travel distance provided by the Cherry MX Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Bsun Hutt switch offers a resonant and clean sound profile that provides a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying typing sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. Both switches offer enjoyable auditory experiences, with the Hutt switch emphasizing a sharper sound profile while the MX Red switch focuses on a deeper and more robust sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Hutt switch is known for its snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile feedback, offering a highly responsive and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed and offering a different tactile sensation compared to the Hutt switch. While both switches offer unique tactile feedback, the Hutt switch excels in providing a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump, while the MX Red switch focuses more on a textured feel during typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users seeking a specific typing experience. The Hutt switch provides a resonant sound profile with sharp tactile feedback, creating an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red switch offers a thocky sound profile with textured tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a deeper and slightly heftier typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but both switches promise a quality typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy spring with a noticeable tactile bump and balanced sound profile, the Hutt switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the MX Red switch could be the right choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. So, take into account your own preferences and needs when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that suits you best.