Durock Medium Tactile vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience while maintaining the slightly heavier feel of the classic MX Red switch. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience in 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
65g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on either of these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches emphasizes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ significantly. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in top housing materials gives each switch its unique sound signature, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, while the bottom housings of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red share similar qualities due to their use of nylon, the top housings set them apart in terms of sound profile. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. In comparison, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more rounded typing sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger a keystroke, while the Cherry MX Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is unknown. This makes the Durock Medium Tactile switch heavier overall compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance on the Cherry MX Silent Red can result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and agility. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a bit more depth and feedback with its slightly longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, which may be perceived as softer and more unique compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, making it significantly quieter and ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Medium Tactile providing a more distinctive sound and the MX Silent Red ensuring a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is praised for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile characteristics. This means that the switch offers a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its textured feel, which may introduce noticeable friction when pressed. While the Medium Tactile switch is designed to provide a gentle typing experience with a distinct tactile feel, the MX Silent Red switch offers a different tactile sensation with a textured touch.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch stands out for its unique jelly-like sound and balanced tactility, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red switch ensures a quieter sound profile and introduces a textured feel, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the Durock Medium Tactile or the Cherry MX Silent Red, you can expect to get a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound, opt for the Durock Medium Tactile. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility or noise reduction in your mechanical keyboard experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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