Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Keygeek Raw is crafted with a blend of materials for a creamy yet lightweight feel, providing a textured experience right out of the box and serving as a great starting point for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, offering a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Keygeek Raw and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon in their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw also incorporates UPE in its blend, making it exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This unique blend may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, as UPE is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw features a blend of UMPE & Si, which is also exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This blend may offer added durability and longevity to the switches, which could potentially make them more reliable in the long run. The Cherry MX Silent Red, on the other hand, solely utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, providing similar sound absorption qualities as the top housing material.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw's unique blend of UMPE & Si in the bottom housing sets it apart from the Cherry MX Silent Red, offering potentially improved durability and reliability. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their top housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Whether choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and priorities, such as durability or sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the actuation force is not provided. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, with no information on the bottom out force. This makes the Cherry MX Silent Red the lighter option in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter feel when typing or gaming may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red for a more comfortable experience over extended periods of use. However, for those who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice, as its bottom out force is slightly higher. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm travel distance may provide a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive settings. The choice between the two switches will largely depend on personal preference, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more versatile sound profile and the MX Silent Red catering to those who prioritize quiet operation.
In terms of feel, both the Keygeek Raw and Cherry MX Silent Red switches are described as having a textured sensation when pressed, providing a tactile experience that some users may prefer. The Keygeek Raw switch also offers a mild and subtle typing feel, making it approachable to most users, while the MX Silent Red focuses on delivering a smoother typing experience with its unique material blend. Ultimately, individuals who enjoy a tactile sensation when typing may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those who prefer a smoother feel may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the Keygeek Raw and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches, individuals can expect different but equally satisfying typing experiences based on their preferences. While the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral sound profile and a textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a quiet, thocky sound and a slightly smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience based on sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique blend of materials and a slightly textured feel right out of the box, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are great for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches and prefer a creamy yet lightweight typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment and want a switch that maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, then the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is the way to go. With its muted sound profile and thocky, low-pitched typing experience, the MX Silent Red is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value unique materials and texture or prioritize a quieter typing experience.
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