Cherry MX Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique qualities to consider. The Cherry MX Red is a classic linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deep sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, ideal for quieter environments. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, creating a smooth and muted typing experience. Each switch has its strengths, with the MX Red being more textured and low-pitched while the Silent Ink Black is more polished and silky. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in their composition. The MX Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback. The nylon housing of the MX Red creates a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black offers a thin and higher-pitched sound profile. Both materials are designed to enhance the typing experience by providing a unique sound signature that resonates with users. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a pointed, clacky sound, each switch offers a distinct auditory and tactile sensation that caters to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The nylon housing of the MX Red may appeal to those looking for a softer, more muted sound profile, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black is suited for users who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Regardless of the housing material chosen, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their own unique sound characteristics. Whether you opt for the Cherry MX Red or Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect a high-quality switch that enhances your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black is 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressing keys all the way down, while the bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Red would be the preferred choice, while users seeking a more robust and tactile feel may lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of travel distance. This makes them both great options for users looking for a linear switch with a travel distance that provides a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Red switch is best known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a satisfying deep tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound, making it a great option for quieter environments. While the MX Red provides a deeper and more pronounced auditory experience, the Silent Ink Black offers a softer and more subtle typing sound that minimizes noise disturbances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some users with a sense of feedback and friction during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The cushion-like bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black adds to its overall comfort during long typing sessions. Whether you prefer a textured feedback or a silky smooth typing experience, both switches offer unique tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you prioritize a robust and slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you value a quieter typing experience with a cushion-like bottom-out feel and a smoother key travel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of reliability and responsiveness. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and environment requirements for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience, then the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, especially for environments where noise is a concern, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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