Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note the key differences between the two. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the slightly heavier feel of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Dustproof Brown does not have specific characteristics listed. Each switch has its own advantages and reasons you may choose it, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
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 comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon. This means that in terms of bottom housing material, both switches would provide a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more subdued sound profile.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes nylon while the Outemu Dustproof Brown uses polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon and is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Because of its translucency, polycarbonate is often used in switches that feature RGB lighting to enhance the visual appeal. Therefore, the Dustproof Brown switch would offer a more clear and resonant sound when compared to the MX Silent Red due to the difference in top housing material.
Overall, while both switches may share similarities in their bottom housing material, the choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Cherry MX Silent Red with its nylon top housing would provide a softer and more absorbent sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top housing would deliver a sharper and more resonant sound, suitable for those looking for a crisper typing experience with the added visual appeal of RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red has no specified bottom out force, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Brown due to its heavier bottom out force. Regardless, both switches offer a smooth and quiet typing experience, with the Cherry MX Silent Red providing a unique silence feature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Dustproof Brown being more on the traditional side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red for faster response times, while individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke may opt for the Outemu Dustproof Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Dustproof 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 switch is praised for its muted and thocky sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch's sound qualities are unknown as there is no information available. The feel of the MX Silent Red is described as textured, providing users with a tactile feedback that some may find appealing. The feel of the Dustproof Brown switch is unknown.
Overall, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be a suitable choice with its muted sound profile. However, if you prefer a tactile feedback with unknown sound qualities, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch might also be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment. It is important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, you should consider your priorities for noise level and bottom out force. If you are looking for a switch that provides a quieter typing experience and has a softer sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the obvious choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind a regular sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Brown could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether noise level or bottom out force is more important to your typing preferences.
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