Durock Light Tactile vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Light Tactile and Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Light Tactile from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a soft and jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar feel to the classic MX Red switch but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the MX Silent Red falls into categories such as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Both switches have their own strengths, whether you prefer a quieter typing experience or a softer tactility. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ in their top housing materials. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound when compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. While both materials are effective in their own way, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile is more suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of both switches are made of nylon, resulting in a similarly deep and full sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. This means that when typing on either the Light Tactile or the MX Silent Red, users can expect a similar feel and sound impact from the bottom housing material. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Light Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. Meanwhile, the MX Silent Red with its nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their desired sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. The Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the MX Silent Red only needs 45 grams of force to actuate, with an unknown bottom out force. The difference in weight between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.7 mm of the MX Silent Red. This means that the Light Tactile switch will provide a slightly deeper feeling when pressed down, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches are suitable for different preferences, with the Light Tactile offering a longer travel distance and the MX Silent Red providing a slightly shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound that is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience that many will find approachable. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction when typing. The choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness while typing.
Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a softer, quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility and a more neutral sound profile, the Light Tactile switch could be the ideal option. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a softer and more gentle tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound, the Light Tactile may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a silent and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and environment.
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