Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Red are two popular options to consider. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but with the key advantage of operating silently. Its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured characteristics make it ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red by Outemu doesn't have a specific standout feature like the silent operation of the MX Silent Red. 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
60g
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 Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Red both feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
In terms of sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer contrasting experiences. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted typing experience overall. In comparison, the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound, resulting in a crisper typing experience. This difference in sound profile can cater to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red offering a quieter typing experience while the Dustproof Red provides a more pronounced sound output.
While the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Dustproof Red may have differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. However, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a balance between sound profile and typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for a quieter or more pronounced typing experience.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the initial force needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch is the heavier of the two, with a force of 60 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of both switches provides a smooth and easy typing experience, making them ideal for tasks that require long periods of typing. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Cherry MX Silent Red will provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who prefer a more traditional key press feel may opt for the Outemu Dustproof Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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 Red 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 is favored for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, information is lacking regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may provide a unique tactile experience for users who appreciate a bit of friction when typing. Conversely, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch are not available, making it challenging to evaluate how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical switch with a quiet and satisfying sound profile, as well as a textured feel for added tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch may be the better choice for you. However, if the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch align with your preferences, both switches may offer similar results in terms of overall typing experience. It is essential to consider your individual preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a silent typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the suitable choice for you. This switch offers a satisfying typing feel with significantly reduced noise levels compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a dustproof option, the Outemu Dustproof Red may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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