Cherry MX Red vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it is important to consider factors such as feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Two popular options to compare are the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Plum offers a unique experience with its hefty feel and minimal tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Plum falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh Plum, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials suggests that the typing experience between these two switches may be more alike than different in terms of the sound produced.
On the other hand, the top housing of the MX Red is made of nylon, while the Plum features a polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in materials results in a difference in sound profiles when typing on these switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Plum creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature compared to nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. This disparity in top housing materials highlights the potential for a more distinct typing experience between the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh Plum.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh Plum share nylon for their bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Plum's top housing sets it apart from the MX Red. The softer nature of nylon in the MX Red results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Plum creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials contribute different qualities to the typing experience, making each switch unique in its sound and feel.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Plum switch is heavier at 70 grams while the MX Red's bottom out force is unavailable. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of weight. The lighter actuation force of the MX Red is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we find that the MX Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The MX Red's travel distance is slightly longer than the Plum's, with the former being the longer of the two. The difference in travel distance may impact the typing experience and feel of the switches. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Plum, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the MX Red. Both switches offer unique benefits, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch is described as having a neutral sound, which can be quite enjoyable as it lacks any extreme characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing a level of friction when pressed that some users may appreciate for a tactile feedback. In contrast, the Kailh Plum switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, with a stepped tactile feel that provides a more subtle tactility compared to other tactile switches. This makes it a safe and approachable option for most users looking for a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and Kailh Plum tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they provide distinct typing experiences suited to different preferences. The MX Red switch delivers a heftier feel and deeper sound profile, making it a robust and responsive option for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch stands out for its unique lack of a strong tactile bump and neutral sound, providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with no tactile bump and a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience, so it's important to try them out and see which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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