Cherry MX Black vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The MX Black is a linear switch that has been further perfected by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Red is also a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While both switches offer a low-pitched sound and textured feel, the MX Black is categorized as 'Stiff' while the MX Red is classified as 'Thocky'. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red switches use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic gives both switches a similar tactile experience for users who enjoy a quieter typing experience.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom housing, the impact of each housing material differs in terms of key feel and sound. The bottom housing of the switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction allows users to experience a unique typing sensation depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or releasing it, showcasing the nuanced differences between the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red switches.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red switches provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The shared characteristics of nylon contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. While the impact of the top and bottom housing materials may vary slightly in terms of key feel and sound, the overall typing experience remains similar between the two switches.
Weight
In comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, and the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to fully press a key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red would be the better choice, as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cherry MX Black with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed, providing tactile feedback to the user. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience. The similarities in travel distance indicate that both switches offer a consistent typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth and responsive key press regardless of which switch they choose. The Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red linear switches provide a reliable and efficient typing experience with their matched travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 of the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red linear switches, the MX Black is known for its low-pitched profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. On the other hand, the MX Red provides a thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when keys are pressed and released. Both switches have a low-pitched aspect to their sound, but the MX Red has a more distinct thocky quality to it. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black boasts a textured sensation when pressed, which can provide a unique tactile feedback for users who appreciate some friction during typing. Additionally, the MX Black is known for its stiff actuation, requiring more force to press the keys compared to other switches. On the other hand, the MX Red also offers a textured feel but does not have the same level of stiffness as the MX Black. This difference in feel can impact the typing experience, with the MX Black requiring more effort to type on compared to the MX Red.
Overall, when comparing the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red linear switches, the MX Black offers a deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, providing a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red delivers a thocky sound with a textured feel that is not as stiff as the MX Black. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but users looking for a heavier touch and deeper sound may lean towards the MX Black, while those seeking a more subtle feel with satisfying auditory feedback may prefer the MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Red linear switches, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier key press and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Black with its 80-gram bottom out force and low-pitched sound may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a smoother typing experience with a slightly lighter touch and a satisfying thocky sound, the Cherry MX Red with its absence of bottom out force and low-pitched thocky sound profile may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the switch that best fits your typing needs and enjoy a customized and comfortable typing experience.
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