Keygeek Keylin vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Keygeek Keylin and the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Keylin is renowned for its innovative new molds that provide an exceptional typing experience marked by rich acoustics and remarkable smoothness, making it an attractive choice for both gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the hallmark characteristics of the classic MX Red, offering a slightly heftier feel while ensuring a much quieter operation—ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments or shared spaces. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel, the Keylin focuses on delivering a premium acoustic experience, whereas the MX Silent Red emphasizes muted performance and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Keygeek Keylin and Cherry MX Silent Red switches are both crafted from nylon, a choice that brings forth a notable similarity in their sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is recognized for its softer plastic properties. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback when typing. Users of both switches will likely experience a similar sound signature, where the nylon components work harmoniously to create a rounded and less harsh sound, making both options appealing for those seeking a quieter and more muted typing experience.
Despite the material consistency, the impact of the housing configuration can yield nuanced differences in tactile feedback and sound output. As each switch utilizes nylon throughout, the uniformity in material means that both switches can produce a softer bottom-out sound, significantly enhancing the overall typing experience. However, it is important to note that the effects of the nylon may differ slightly based on any distinctions in design or engineering between the Keylin and the Cherry MX Silent Red. Factors such as the switch construction, stem design, and potential variance in manufacturing processes could lead to diverse user experiences even when using the same material.
In essence, while the Keygeek Keylin and Cherry MX Silent Red share the same housing material in nylon, the overall performance could still differ slightly based on their respective designs. The qualities imparted by the nylon materials rest in both the top and bottom housing, ultimately intertwining to fulfill users’ expectations of a quieter and more satisfying typing experience. Users seeking to minimize acoustic noise during their sessions will find both switches effective in generating similar results; however, individual preferences may lean towards one switch over the other due to additional subtleties in feel, sound perception, or individual use cases.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which ultimately influences user preference based on typing or gaming habits. The Keylin switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged use, such as in office environments or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the MX Silent Red requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches are noted for their bottom-out forces, with the Keylin's bottom out force at 48 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Silent Red is unspecified. This means that the Keylin's bottom-out experience may feel more significant due to quantifiable resistance. In essence, those who prioritize a lighter switch might gravitate toward the Keylin, whereas users who favor a slightly firmer actuation might opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red, despite its unknown bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Keylin switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key feel and deeper feedback during their typing experience. As the distances are quite close—just 0.1 mm apart—users might find them to yield similar tactile results, but the Keylin's shorter distance could be more suited for those who prioritize rapid response times. Ultimately, preference for either switch will depend on the individual's liking for either a quicker, more abrupt actuation or a deeper, more considered keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, which offer a more resonant auditory experience compared to many other switches. This richness can be attributed to the new molding technology employed by Keygeek, resulting in a satisfying sound that captures the essence of a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed with noise-sensitive environments in mind, producing a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the auditory footprint while maintaining a tactile feedback that still feels engaging. The Silent Red's characteristic thocky sound offers a deeper and softer tone, providing a distinct yet subtle auditory presence that contrasts nicely with louder mechanical switches.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience, a quality that is often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate a friction-free keypress. This smoothness is reinforced by Keygeek’s innovative manufacturing techniques. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a heftier feel compared to the Keylin and features a textured sensation upon pressing the key, which may introduce a degree of friction that some typists prefer. This texture can offer a more tactile connection to the keys but may not suit those who favor a completely smooth experience.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Keylin and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer unique qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Keylin provides a rich sound and a smooth feel, ideal for users who prioritize an immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the MX Silent Red offers a quieter operation with a thocky sound and a textured feel, appealing to those who need a more subdued auditory presence. Depending on your priorities—whether it be acoustics, smoothness, or a balanced tactile feedback—you can choose either switch and expect to find satisfaction, though they ultimately offer distinct experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a light bottom-out force and are looking for a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin switches may be the better option for you. They deliver a satisfying sound that can add to the sensory experience of typing, making them ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting and need a switch that operates silently while still offering a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Red is your go-to choice. This switch maintains the classic feel of its predecessor while significantly reducing noise and featuring a textured, low-pitched sound profile that appeals to users who prefer a deeper and more muted acoustic experience. Ultimately, consider both the sound profile and actuation force to align your switch choice with what will enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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