Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Blue are two popular switches that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that is best known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that provides a more tactile and audible typing experience. While the Silent Red offers a muted and thocky feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Blue switch provides a more traditional mechanical keyboard clickiness. So, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Red may be the way to go, but if you prefer a clicky and tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue could be the better choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Blue switches, we can see some significant differences. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the use of polycarbonate in the Blue switch allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, we find that both the MX Silent Red and Outemu Blue switches use nylon for this component. This means that both switches will have a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon and its sound absorption properties. Despite the different top housings, in this aspect, users will experience a consistent sound quality when pressing down on the keys with both switches. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be notable, providing a familiar typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Blue switches can come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the MX Silent Red offers a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing, the Outemu Blue provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Users who prioritize RGB lighting may lean towards the Outemu Blue for its clear housing, while those who prefer a softer typing experience may prefer the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. This means that the MX Silent Red would require less force to register a keystroke. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but it is safe to assume that they would provide a similar experience since the bottom out force is typically higher than the actuation force. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Outemu Blue for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Blue. The Silent Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Outemu Blue's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses for some users. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Silent Red providing a smooth linear feel and the Outemu Blue offering a clicky response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 and low-pitched typing experience, resulting in a quieter and more subtle sound compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a lack of information available, but traditionally, blue switches are known for their loud and clicky sound profile that is satisfying to many typists. If you prefer a quieter typing environment, the MX Silent Red would be the better choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, meaning there is noticeable friction when the keys are pressed. This texture can provide a unique typing sensation that some users may enjoy. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Blue switch. However, clicky switches like the Blue are generally known for their tactile feedback and satisfying click sensation when the key is actuated.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience with a slight texture to the key presses, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so trying out different switches is always recommended to find the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your environment and noise tolerance. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Its silent operation maintains the satisfying feel of a mechanical switch without the loud clicky sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible feedback and tactile feel of a clicky switch, the Outemu Blue is a great choice. Its distinct sound profile and tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for noise level and tactile feedback will determine whether the MX Silent Red or Outemu Blue switch is the better fit for you.
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