Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Silent Yellow both fall under the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow lacks a distinct reputation like the MX Red does, but it still delivers a quiet and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their merits; the MX Red is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel, while the Silent Yellow is perfect for those who prioritize silence. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is shared by both switches, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the MX Red features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Silent Yellow uses a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Red.
The differences between the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow become more apparent when looking at their top housing materials. The MX Red's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element not found in the MX Red. Despite both switches utilizing a nylon bottom housing, the distinct characteristics of their top housings create unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the variation in housing materials between the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the differences in their top housings create distinct sound profiles. The MX Red's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the MX Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, while the Silent Yellow is heavier at 65 grams. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown, whereas the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming may opt for the Cherry MX Red, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may choose the Outemu Silent Yellow for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback or audible clicks. This makes them ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite being from different manufacturers, the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with consistent performance regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound experience during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of auditory feedback. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, which may provide some users with a tactile sensation when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any feel descriptors provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of typing experience. While the tactile feel of a switch is an important aspect to consider for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, the lack of information on the Silent Yellow's feel means the subjective experience may vary among users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a robust and heftier typing experience with a deeper sound profile and slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks specific information on its sound and feel qualities, making it harder to directly compare to the MX Red. To ensure a satisfactory typing experience, it is recommended to consider personal preferences in sound, feel, and additional factors such as keycap and keyboard housing choices when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, while individual preferences may vary, both switches can provide a similar linear typing experience with differences in sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Cherry MX Red linear switch and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the MX Red if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. Opt for the Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. Keep in mind that the MX Red has a sound profile described as thocky and low-pitched, while the Silent Yellow's sound profile is silent. Additionally, the MX Red has a textured feel, while the Silent Yellow's feel is not described. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for feel, sound, and bottom out force. It's important to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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