Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, as it operates silently while still providing a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red switch. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs for a blend of tradition and modern innovation. Both switches offer a 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched' typing experience, making them appealing choices for those who prioritize these characteristics in their mechanical keyboards. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry Nixie both use nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound effectively. With both switches utilizing nylon in their housing, users can expect a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. This similarity in housing material ensures that the typing experience for both the MX Silent Red and the Nixie will be consistent in terms of sound profile and overall feel.
While both the MX Silent Red and the Nixie share nylon as their housing material, it is essential to note that the qualities each housing brings to the switch will be divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing of a switch often has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Even though they both use nylon, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry Nixie may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to how the housing material is utilized in their construction. Users may notice variations in sound and feel when comparing the two switches side by side.
Despite potential differences in the typing experience between the MX Silent Red and the Nixie, the use of nylon as their housing material ensures that both switches will provide a similar overall sound profile. The soft nature of nylon helps to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality when using either the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Cherry Nixie. In conclusion, while there may be slight variations in feel due to the distribution of housing qualities, the shared use of nylon ensures a comparable typing experience between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that the MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Nixie's 63.5 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red is not specified, while the Cherry Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that while the MX Silent Red may require less force to trigger a keystroke, the Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier force needed for bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the MX Silent Red may be the better option, while the Nixie is suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Nixie switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Red switch. In terms of preference, gamers may opt for the Silent Red switch due to its shorter travel distance allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper keypress may find the Nixie switch more satisfying. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so selecting the one that best suits your typing style is essential for optimal performance.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry Nixie linear switches, both are described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The MX Silent Red, however, is also characterized as muted, offering a significantly quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, both switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer similar sound profiles, with both being thocky and low-pitched. The key difference lies in the MX Silent Red's silent operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches share a textured feel, which could provide a unique tactile sensation to the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as well as other factors such as board and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should first assess your preference for typing experience. If you value a quieter typing environment and enjoy a slightly heftier feel with a muted and thocky sound profile, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and prioritize a textured typing experience with a deep and satisfying thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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