Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, providing a more pronounced and feedback-driven typing experience. While the MX Silent Red is praised for its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured typing feel, the Maple Leaf's characteristics are not as clearly defined. When choosing between these switches, consider whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or prefer the tactile feedback of a switch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 material of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. With both switches using the same housing material, users can expect a similar sound profile and typing experience when using either the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Outemu Maple Leaf switches.
However, while the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Maple Leaf switches are the same, the switches themselves may provide slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as the type of stem or spring used. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though both switches share the same housing material, there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel of typing on each switch depending on their overall design and construction.
In summary, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile and typing experience. The choice between these switches may come down to other factors such as tactile feedback or actuation force, as the housing material alone may not drastically impact the overall typing experience. Both switches are known for their quiet operation, making them popular choices for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Maple Leaf is heavier at 65 grams compared to the MX Silent Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the MX Silent Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force. In either case, both switches offer a smooth and silent typing experience, ensuring similar results in terms of keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a decent travel distance that should provide a comfortable typing experience, but the slight difference in distance may cater to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and feel.
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 Maple Leaf 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 and low-pitched characteristics, offering a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple leaf switch does not have any known sound qualities specified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. The overall sound profile of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that some may find appealing. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch. Without details on its tactile qualities, it is challenging to make a comparison between the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch stands out for its quieter sound profile and textured feel, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, lacking specific descriptions of sound and feel for the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch makes it harder to provide a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it is clear that the MX Silent Red offers specific qualities that may not be present in the Maple Leaf switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the better choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a textured typing feel, the Maple Leaf may be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize silent operation or a tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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