Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Gold mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the difference in their primary characteristics. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heftier feel compared to its counterpart, the MX Red, but operates silently, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. While the MX Silent Red is best known for being 'Muted,' 'Thocky,' 'Low-pitched,' and 'Textured,' the Gold switch does not have any specific defining categories. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red may be the better option for you. 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
1.80 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 Gold switches, one key difference is evident in the material used for the top housing. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Gold switch features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more resonant and clear. This contrast in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and the Outemu Gold switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in the bottom housing material between these two switches suggest that users may experience comparable typing sound and feel in terms of bottom-out sound and impact. However, the difference in the top housing material may still contribute to varying sound profiles when pressing and releasing keys, providing a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, such as the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Gold, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing for users. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differing materials used for the top housing create distinct sound characteristics. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Gold yields a sharper and crisper sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall typing experience and sound preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Silent Red has an unknown level, while the Outemu Gold requires a heavier 60 grams to fully press down. This means that the Outemu Gold provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the MX Silent Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In both cases, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces can help users choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch. For those who prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feeling of a deeper key press, the Outemu Gold clicky switch with its longer travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences, so it comes down to personal preference in choosing between the shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Gold 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 offers a muted and thocky sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to standard mechanical switches. Its low-pitched sound is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch's sound characteristics are unknown. In terms of feel, the MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, offering a unique friction when pressed that some users may prefer. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Gold switch is also unknown.
Overall, if sound is a priority, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the better choice for a quieter typing experience. While the feel of the Outemu Gold switch remains unknown, the Cherry MX Silent Red's textured feel may appeal to users looking for a different tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on individual preferences and needs. If a quieter sound profile and a textured feel are desired qualities, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the preferred option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and work in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. With its muted and thocky sound profile, along with its textured feel, it provides a satisfying typing experience without the loud clicks. On the other hand, if you enjoy the clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard and prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different users, so it is important to consider what factors matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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