Cherry MX Red vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The MX Red is 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 Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that makes typing an indulgent experience. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Sunset Yellow switches are labeled as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits that appeal to different types of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the MX Red utilizing nylon for both and the Sunset Yellow using POM for both. The nylon top housing of the MX Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. While both housings offer their own unique sound profiles, the MX Red's nylon top housing may provide a slightly fuller sound compared to the more muted sound of the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow both feature nylon bottom housings for their switches. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the slight differences in material may result in subtle variations in sound quality when compared side by side.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches showcase how the choice of housing material can influence the sound profile of a mechanical switch. While the MX Red's nylon housing may provide a fuller and deeper sound compared to the more unique and muted sound of the Sunset Yellow's POM housing, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the pleasing, unique sound of POM, both switches deliver in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch with 43 grams. Both switches do not have a specific bottom out force listed, making it difficult to compare this aspect. However, it is safe to assume that the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch may have a slightly higher bottom out force given its actuation force is lower. In terms of weight, the MX Red switch is slightly heavier, providing a more solid typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Red. The MX Red offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow provides a shallower travel distance of 3.2 mm. Gamers may prefer the Sunset Yellow for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the MX Red. Both switches offer a different feeling in terms of travel distance, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 low-pitched and thocky profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy and thocky sound that is reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, adding a rich and indulgent tone to typing sessions. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the MX Red offering a slightly deeper sound compared to the Sunset Yellow.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a tactile feedback during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. The unique Ly stem and factory lubrication of the Sunset Yellow switch contribute to a distinct gliding sensation, making typing feel like a luxurious and fluid experience. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, with the Sunset Yellow focusing on a more polished and frictionless typing experience compared to the textured feel of the MX Red.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the slightly heftier and textured feel of the MX Red switch or the smooth, bassy, and indulgent typing experience of the Sunset Yellow switch. Whether you prefer a deeper sound with some texture or a rich sound with a polished feel, both switches offer high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, users can expect a rewarding typing experience with either switch choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a slightly heftier feel with a deep sound profile, the MX Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a rich, bassy sound profile and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow could be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
