Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides feedback with each keypress, resulting in a more pronounced typing experience. While the MX Silent Red is known for its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured characteristics, the Outemu Brown does not have specific known features. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red offering a quieter typing experience and the Outemu Brown providing tactile feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Brown switches, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brown switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material not only impacts the sound but also plays a role in the aesthetics of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and Outemu Brown switches utilize nylon for this component, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of sound profile and overall typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Brown switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the MX Silent Red's combination of nylon top and bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer touch, the Outemu Brown's use of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a sharper, more resonant sound. Whether one prefers the dull and round sound of nylon or the clear and crisp sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams, making it a more effortless typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown switch has a heavier force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing sensation compared to the unknown bottom out force of the MX Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the preferred choice. Conversely, for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Both switches offer different benefits based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for typing or gaming 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 Outemu Brown 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
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is well-known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound qualities listed, so its sound profile may be in between a traditional clicky and a linear switch. When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red offers a textured typing experience, providing some friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch's feel is unknown, so it may have a smoother typing feel compared to the textured feel of the Silent Red. Both switches offer different sound and feel experiences, catering to users' preferences for typing comfort and noise levels. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a quieter typing experience with the MX Silent Red or prefers a tactile switch like the Outemu Brown for a different feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and work in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the ideal choice with its silent operation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback of a switch, the Outemu Brown switch offers a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize silence or tactility in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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