Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are two popular options to consider. The MX Silent Red is known for providing a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is prized for its rapid response and linear action, ideal for gamers looking for instant key triggers. While the Silent Red offers a muted, low-pitched feel, the Speed Silver excels in providing a textured, thocky typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilize nylon as their housing material, giving them a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a quieter typing experience, making both switches ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise may be a concern.
While the housing material is the same for both switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may differ in the design and construction of their housing components. This could impact the overall feel and sound of the switches, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The top housing, on the other hand, may have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of considering the holistic design of a switch when evaluating its performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. While both switches offer a quiet typing experience due to their nylon housing material, subtle differences in design and construction may result in variations in sound profile and typing feel. It is essential to consider how these factors align with your typing preferences and environment to determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force with 30 grams, compared to the MX Silent Red which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the MX Silent Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, which makes them ideal for fast-paced activities like gaming. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt, in which case the Cherry MX Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Silent Red switch is best described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. It produces a low-pitched and thocky sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch also provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience but cater to different preferences, with the Silent Red focusing on silence and the Speed Silver delivering a more pronounced sound.
As for the feel, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Speed Silver switches are described as textured, meaning they may offer noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this tactile sensation, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. This slight textured feel in both switches can enhance the typing feedback for users who enjoy a little more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, the feel between these two switches is quite similar, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of texture.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, while the Speed Silver emphasizes rapid response and a satisfying thocky sound. Both switches share a textured feel that adds a unique tactile feedback to the typing process. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, speed, and feel, but rest assured that regardless of your decision, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Silent Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches, consider your priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smooth linear action, opt for the MX Silent Red. Its muted sound profile is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver is your go-to choice. With its low spring resistance and instant triggering, it's a favorite among gamers looking to gain an edge in fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize silence or speed in your typing or gaming experience. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy the ultimate mechanical keyboard switch that suits your needs.
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