Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference is their operating mechanisms. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a silent typing experience while maintaining the satisfying feel of the classic MX Red switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that provides a tactile bump during actuation, enhancing the typing feedback. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, while the Milk Tea switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback for a different typing sensation. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Milk Tea switches have distinct characteristics that significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the Outemu Milk Tea's Ly top housing. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, providing a unique typing experience that differs from the Cherry MX Silent Red.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they still offer different typing experiences due to the top housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound but offers a slightly different sound profile when compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. The bottom housing of a switch plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, making it an essential factor to consider when choosing between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Milk Tea switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience desired. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differences in the top housing material result in distinct sound signatures and typing experiences. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of the Cherry MX Silent Red or the resonant clacks of the Milk Tea, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, both switches are equal, which may result in a similar typing experience for users. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress responsiveness.
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 Milk Tea 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 known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience compared to standard mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, providing a noticeable friction when pressed. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not specified. Overall, while the MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its unique sound profile and textured feel, the qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remain unknown. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, the MX Silent Red could be the better choice. However, without more information on the Milk Tea switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for noise level and typing experience. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the ideal choice with its muted and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing feel without the need for a silent operation, the Outemu Milk Tea switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when selecting between these two switches.
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