Cherry MX Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, Cherry MX Red switches are celebrated for their linear characteristics, providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile. This makes them an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive and satisfying auditory depth without tactile feedback. On the other hand, Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a tactile experience with a subtle to moderate bump, catering to users who enjoy some feedback with each keystroke. Their balanced sound profile is designed to complement the tactile sensation, making them suitable for a variety of tasks, from gaming to typing. Ultimately, while each switch serves different preferences—Cherry MX Red for those seeking a thocky, low-pitched experience and Gateron Weightlessness for users who value tactile feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Red Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a notable observation is that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material leads to similar sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. Nylon is known for its relatively softer nature as a plastic, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a rich, cushioned auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.

Since both the MX Red and the Weightlessness switches share nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housings, the quality of sound and feel remains consistent across the two switches. The nylon's ability to dampen sound minimizes harshness and creates a duller, rounder tonal quality. The tactile feedback when bottoming out or releasing the key is dictated by the nylon composition, ensuring a satisfying experience whether you opt for Cherry or Gateron. Thus, users can expect a harmonious typing experience with both brands, thanks to the uniformity in housing materials.

It's important to consider that even when two switches use the same housing materials, subtle differences in their internal construction, spring tension, and design might still influence the overall typing dynamics. However, because the top and bottom housings of both the MX Red and Weightlessness are identical in material, any variations will likely be more about the execution rather than the fundamental qualities of the switches. Ultimately, typing on both can yield similar results, making the decision between them more about personal preference regarding feel and expected performance rather than stark differences in construction.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Gateron Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Cherry MX Red, while those who favor a more substantial feel might appreciate the Gateron Weightlessness. Unfortunately, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we cannot compare that specific metric between them. Regardless, if users prioritize actuation forces, they will find that the Cherry MX Red offers a softer tactile experience compared to the Gateron Weightlessness.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness comes in shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Gateron switch the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a quicker response time often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced keypress, which some users might find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or depth and feedback in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound, Cherry MX Red switches are well-regarded for their thocky and low-pitched auditory profile. This means that when a key is pressed, it produces a deep, rich sound akin to a soft knock or thud, creating an immersive typing experience. The bass-heavy tones lend a certain gravitas to each keystroke, contributing to an overall satisfying atmosphere, particularly in a desktop setting. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches have an unspecified sound profile, which means we lack detailed information on their acoustic characteristics. However, it is important to note that sound in mechanical keyboards can be influenced significantly by other components, including the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, Cherry MX Red switches have a textured quality, providing a noticeable friction that some typists may enjoy, adding to the tactile feedback with each keystroke. This texture allows for a more engaged typing experience, helping users feel each activation point. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile feel. While we don't have detailed descriptors for their texture or smoothness, the tactile nature implies that they offer feedback without overwhelming resistance, striking a balance between a smooth press and a satisfying tactile response.

In summary, both the Cherry MX Red and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The MX Red's thocky sound and textured feel might appeal more to those who enjoy a robust, audible interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches could attract users looking for a balanced tactile experience without specific sound qualities noted. Ultimately, selecting between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, and if desired, one might experiment with different setups to achieve their preferred auditory and tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between Cherry MX Red linear switches and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you intend to use your keyboard for. If you’re seeking a responsive typing experience with a heavy, satisfying auditory feedback, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy the rich, low-pitched "thocky" sound and a textured feel that gives you tactile feedback as you type. These characteristics can be particularly advantageous if you’re a gamer or typist who thrives on speed without the distraction of a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a tactile feel without being overly loud, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better choice. These switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile sensation that can enhance your typing accuracy while maintaining a quieter profile, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In essence, think about where and how you use your keyboard: opt for the Cherry MX Red for a more dynamic, audible experience, and the Gateron Weightlessness for a calmer, tactile approach.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more