Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Olive. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a quieter typing experience compared to its non-silent counterpart, the MX Red. It offers a slightly heftier feel but with a low-pitched, textured sound profile that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch known for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. With all-POM housings and a unique design featuring a long pole stem, the Olive switches deliver a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out experience. While the MX Silent Red is more muted and thocky, the Bsun Olive is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Both switches have their unique strengths, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Olive both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive utilizes a POM top housing that presents a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a relatively more muted sound. While both materials offer a deeper sound profile, the nylon in the MX Silent Red may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM in the Bsun Olive.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Olive continue to showcase their distinct sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Bsun Olive also adds to the unique sound profile, offering deeper tones and a relatively more muted sound. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, so the differences in materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
While the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Olive use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profiles of the switches can be quite similar due to the unique qualities each material brings. Both switches aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the MX Silent Red's nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM in the Bsun Olive. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar level of sensitivity when typing or gaming on either switch. However, the key difference lies in the bottom out force, where the MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force while the Bsun Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This suggests that the Bsun Olive switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preference, with some opting for the lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Bsun Olive for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the 3.7mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm, making them suitable choices for those seeking a quicker typing experience.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter mechanical keyboard switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch provides a resonant, deep sound that is distinctively satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the MX Silent Red offering a softer sound profile and the Bsun Olive providing a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering a unique feel that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, along with a snappy response that enhances the typing sensation. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the MX Silent Red focusing on a textured feel and the Bsun Olive emphasizing a sharper and more pronounced tactility.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Bsun Olive switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, the Bsun Olive offers a deeper sound profile with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, users can expect a high level of quality and performance from either switch, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, you may want to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch. It offers a muted and thocky sound profile compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, which is known for its resonant and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Bsun Olive switch would be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
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