KTT MoonRosa vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa 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, two popular options to consider are the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches. The MoonRosa switch is praised for its smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of being silent, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It is characterized by its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MoonRosa features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red incorporates nylon top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller sound compared to the POM housings of the MoonRosa.
In terms of sound profile, the POM top and bottom housings of the MoonRosa may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the nylon top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Silent Red. The MoonRosa's POM housings produce a more muted and deeper sound, whereas the MX Silent Red's nylon housings elicit a fuller and rounder sound. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the MoonRosa offering a unique sound profile that is deeper and less sharp compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red.
While the housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ in terms of sound profile and feel, they both aim to enhance the typing experience for users. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a unique combination of sound characteristics when typing on the switches. Whether you prefer the muted and deep sound of POM housings in the MoonRosa or the fuller and rounder sound of nylon housings in the MX Silent Red, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to various preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on the individual's desired sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the MoonRosa is the lighter option. The MoonRosa has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Cherry MX Silent Red, on the other hand, has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The actuation force signifies the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. This difference in force can impact typing experience, as some may prefer the lighter touch of the MoonRosa for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier Cherry MX Silent Red for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT MoonRosa linear 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. The MoonRosa offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. The shorter travel distance of the MoonRosa may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, offering users a choice based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the MoonRosa offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red produces a muted and thocky sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise, with the MX Silent Red offering a deeper and richer sound compared to the MoonRosa's neutral tone. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by each switch.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the MoonRosa linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and minimal force required to activate the switch. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially offering a slightly more tactile feel compared to the smooth typing experience of the MoonRosa. However, the specific texture of the MX Silent Red may vary in preference among users.
In conclusion, both the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provide smooth and satisfying typing experiences with their respective sound profiles and tactile feels. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and any additional factors such as preference for a bass-heavy tone or a slightly textured typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer similar results in providing a silent and enjoyable typing experience, tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the MoonRosa would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, suitable for noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the feel and sound characteristics of the switch and how they align with your preferences and typing environment.
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