Bsun Hutt vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, one can see a clear difference in their key features. The Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch known for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the slightly heavier feel of the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Hutt switch is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant', the MX Silent Red is labeled as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Both switches have their unique advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Silent Red feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer and sound-absorbing nature of nylon. However, the Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Hutt's top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of housing materials, the Bsun Hutt and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ in their top housing composition. While the Hutt's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and more sound-absorbing nature. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile by creating a duller and rounder sound. The contrast between the top housing materials highlights the impact of housing material on the sound produced by a switch.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch like the Bsun Hutt or Cherry MX Silent Red influences the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both cases, affects the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, with the Hutt's polycarbonate creating a sharper, crisper sound compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon producing a duller sound. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch results in a unique sound profile that combines the qualities of each material used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Hutt is lighter while the MX Silent Red is heavier. The actuation force of the Hutt is 40 grams, slightly lighter than the 45 grams required for the MX Silent Red. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Hutt is 49 grams, contrasting with the unavailable information for the MX Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Hutt may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the MX Silent Red with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Hutt switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch offers a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or longer gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and responsiveness desired.
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 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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch provides a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted and thocky sound with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that is low-pitched. While the Hutt switch delivers a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound, the MX Silent Red switch presents a quieter and more subdued typing experience, making it a suitable choice for noise-sensitive settings. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will be influenced by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Hutt will provide a more resonant experience compared to the MX Silent Red's muted profile.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and moderate to firm actuation force, creating a responsive and immersive sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may imply a subtle friction during key presses. The Hutt switch provides a more tactile and responsive typing experience, whereas the MX Silent Red switch may offer a smoother and potentially quieter feel due to its linear nature. Overall, the Hutt switch will deliver a more tactile and engaging typing sensation compared to the smoother feel of the MX Silent Red switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hutt switch provides a resonant and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the MX Silent Red switch offers a quieter and potentially smoother typing experience with a thocky sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. However, it's important to consider factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with the Hutt offering a more traditional tactile feel and sound, and the MX Silent Red providing a quieter alternative for noise-sensitive environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinctive typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and balanced sound profile, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying typing experience with significantly quieter sound output, especially in noise-sensitive environments, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and environment noise levels when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages based on your individual preferences and requirements.
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