Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, and the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences in typing experience. The MX Silent Red offers a familiar feel similar to the MX Red, but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo provides a tactile delight with a crisp bump at the top and cushioned sensation at the bottom, striking a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfort. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as muted and low-pitched, the Oreo is characterized as accented and chirpy. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Oreo, we can see significant differences in the type of plastic used. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. While the MX Silent Red provides a more rounded and dull sound, the Oreo offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite their differences, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Oreo both offer distinctive sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of nylon in the MX Silent Red creates a softer and deeper sound profile, while the Oreo's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the Oreo's housing makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics, providing users with a choice based on their individual preferences.
While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Oreo differ in terms of sound profile, they both contribute to the overall typing experience of the switch. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, providing a unique auditory sensation when typing. Despite the differences in their housing materials, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches, tailored to their specific preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial pressure required to register a keystroke. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red has no specified bottom out force, while the Everglide Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This indicates that the Everglide Oreo switch is heavier when fully pressed compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red.
The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Lighter switches are preferred by some individuals for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces the strain on the fingers. On the other hand, heavier switches can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In this case, if actuation force is the main concern, both switches offer the same ease of initial key press. However, if bottom out force is a factor, users may prefer the lighter Cherry MX Silent Red or the medium-light Everglide Oreo based on personal preference for typing pressure.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Everglide Oreo tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile and deep typing experience may opt for the Everglide Oreo with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is praised for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on personal preference, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and softer sound, while the Oreo may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of character in their keyboard sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. Conversely, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides an accented and stepped tactile experience, offering a balance between noticeable tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Silent Red catering to users who prefer a slightly textured feel and the Oreo catering to those who enjoy a medium tactile experience with a cushioned bottom-out sensation.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo offers a unique chirpy sound and an accented and stepped tactile feel for those who enjoy a medium tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it boils down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and a slightly heftier feel, then the MX Silent Red may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a medium-light bottom out force and a palatable sound profile, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch could be the ideal fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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