Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is renowned for its sharp tactile feel, featuring a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing that provides a premium typing experience. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, these switches offer a hypertactile sensation, producing a sharp, short, and punchy sound. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences: the Moyu Black for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a heavy feel, and the MX Silent Red for those looking for a quieter typing experience. 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
50g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. In contrast, the MX Silent Red uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red.
When considering the bottom housing of the switches, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Silent Red showcase similar characteristics in their respective PBT and nylon materials. Both housing materials offer a neutral sound profile and impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. However, the softer nature of nylon may result in a duller and rounder sound compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black. Despite these differences, the bottom housing of both switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Overall, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Silent Red may have distinct housing materials for their top and bottom components, they ultimately contribute to a unique typing experience for users. The PBT and nylon materials offer varying sound profiles and tactile feedback, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Moyu Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Moyu Black is also heavier at 67 grams, while the MX Silent Red does not have a specified bottom out force. This means that the Moyu Black will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher force requirements for both actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the MX Silent Red may feel slightly lighter in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, with the Moyu Black offering a heavier touch and the MX Silent Red providing a potentially lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience and feel of the switch. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) may provide a slightly deeper key press, while the MX Silent Red may offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched, sharp sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound that is significantly quieter, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a sharper, more pronounced sound (Moyu Black) or a quieter, deeper sound (MX Silent Red).
When it comes to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is known for its accented and sharp tactile feedback, offering a distinctive typing experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. This difference in tactile feel makes the Moyu Black ideal for those who enjoy a sharper feedback sensation, while the MX Silent Red suits users who prefer a smoother typing experience with less pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Cherry MX Silent Red switches provide distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Moyu Black offers a resonant sound and sharp, accented tactile feel for a premium typing experience, the MX Silent Red delivers a muted sound profile and textured feel for a quieter and smoother typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user values a sharper, more pronounced typing experience (Moyu Black) or a quieter, smoother typing experience (MX Silent Red).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a distinctive typing experience with a strong and sharp tactile feel, along with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the way to go. The unique blend of PBT housing and the hypertactile sensation they offer make them a popular choice for those who enjoy a punchy and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a slightly heavier switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a great option. With its silent operation and similar actuation force to the traditional MX Red, it provides a more subdued sound profile ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
