Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one can find notable differences in their design and functionality. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, offers a quieter typing experience compared to its counterpart, making it a suitable choice for those working in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Each switch has its own unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches vary in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is more clear and resonant. While both materials are classic switch housing options, the nylon of the MX Silent Red offers a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate of the Crystal Brown.
On the bottom housing side, both the MX Silent Red and the Crystal Brown switches use nylon material. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Due to the relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics, both switches create a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect similar typing experiences and sound profiles when pressing down on the keys.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch can significantly impact the sound profile, with nylon resulting in a rounder sound and polycarbonate producing a clearer and sharper sound, as seen in the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Crystal Brown switches, respectively.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches is 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a consistent level of resistance when initiating a keystroke. However, the key difference between the two lies in their bottom out forces. The MX Silent Red switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering users a slightly heavier typing experience. This makes the Crystal Brown switch ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. The MX Silent Red switch, on the other hand, is more suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer sessions of typing without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown. This means that the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a slightly faster response time for gamers who prefer shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Outemu Crystal 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 praised for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a unique tactile sensation when typing. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is not specified, so we can't make a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, while the sound and feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch are well-documented and offer a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, the qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown. If you prefer a switch with similar characteristics to the Cherry MX Silent Red, it would be best to go for another switch with a textured feel and a quieter sound profile to achieve comparable results.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your priority for noise levels and typing feel. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is a great choice with its silent operation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing feel, the Crystal Brown offers a satisfying typing experience. Overall, choose the MX Silent Red for a quieter typing experience and the Crystal Brown for a tactile typing feel with medium-light resistance. Consider your preferences and typing environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch.
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