Cherry MX Black vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Cherry MX Silent 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 Silent Red are popular choices, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The MX Black is a linear switch that is best known for its classic textured smoothness, deep sound profile, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red, also a linear switch, mirrors the characteristics of the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the MX Black provides a satisfying typing experience with a classic feel, the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience without compromising the smoothness and feedback. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red switches use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. The rounder and duller sound produced by the nylon material gives these switches a unique typing feel compared to switches made from harder plastics.
While both switches share the same housing material, the difference in their respective switch types sets them apart. The Cherry MX Black switch is known for its linear feel, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch features a cushioned silence stem, reducing the noise level significantly compared to traditional mechanical switches. This difference in switch type impacts the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and noise level.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their different switch types. The Cherry MX Black switch provides a linear typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a quieter typing experience with its cushioned silence stem. Both switches benefit from the nylon housing material, which enhances the sound profile and overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for noise level, tactile feedback, and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is not specified, but it is likely to be lighter than the MX Black. Those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the MX Black, while those who prioritize a lighter touch may opt for the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being on the longer side and the MX silent Red being slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the MX Silent Red a popular choice for gaming keyboards. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the MX Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted and thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying noise that is significantly quieter than the MX Black switch. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, with the MX Black being deeper and the MX Silent Red being quieter and richer.
When it comes to feel, both the Cherry MX Black and Cherry MX Silent Red switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can add a tactile feedback that some users prefer, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is noted for its stiff feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The MX Silent Red, on the other hand, does not have this descriptor provided, so the exact feel may vary.
Overall, when comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black provides a deeper sound and a stiff feel, while the MX Silent Red offers a quieter and richer sound with a textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired outcome. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a heavier key press and enjoy a classic, textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, then the MX Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without compromising on the overall feel and satisfaction of typing on a mechanical keyboard, the MX Silent Red is a great option. Consider your environment, the level of noise tolerance you have, and how much force you prefer when typing to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so choose the one that aligns most with your typing style and preferences.
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