Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Cream Pink both fall under the linear switch category. The MX Silent Red is renowned for its quiet operation compared to its non-silent counterpart, the MX Red, while still offering a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Pink switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its smooth linear feel. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Cream Pink may appeal to those seeking a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
65g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Cream Pink switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. However, while both switches share the same material for their housing, the specific design and construction of the housings may vary slightly, leading to subtle differences in sound and feel.
Despite both switches featuring nylon housings, there may be variations in the design and construction of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Cream Pink housing materials. These differences could potentially impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The bottom housing, for example, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing may have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, even though they share the same material, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Cream Pink switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to these nuances in housing design.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Cream Pink switches provide similar characteristics in terms of housing materials, thanks to their shared use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon housings typically results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While the specific nuances of the housing design may vary between these two switches, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel when using either the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Outemu Cream Pink switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cream Pink's 50 grams, making the Silent Red a lighter option. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Pink is 65 grams, which is heavier compared to the Silent Red's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Cream Pink requires a slightly heavier initial force to actuate a keystroke, it also provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink has a longer travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, with the Cherry MX Silent Red being slightly shorter than the Cream Pink. Gamers may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Outemu Cream Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Cream Pink 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 provides a muted and thocky sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. Its low-pitched tone adds to the overall pleasant sound produced when typing. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feel, which adds a tactile element to typing and can be preferred by users who enjoy a bit of feedback when pressing keys. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Cream Pink switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch excels in providing a quieter sound profile with a slightly textured feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Pink switch are unknown, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and overall keyboard setup when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, if the Cream Pink switch is similar in sound and feel to the MX Silent Red, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you work or game in a noise-sensitive setting and prefer a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red may be the better choice for you with its silent operation and satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, the Cream Pink could be the way to go. Ultimately, your personal preferences and typing needs will dictate which switch is the best fit for you.
Mentioned in this article
