Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach, both linear switches. The MX Silent Red is known for maintaining the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch while operating silently, providing a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for being very lightweight and silenced, perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. The MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the Peach is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different types of users. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches, both switches utilize nylon as the material for both the top and bottom housings. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the duller and rounder sound created by nylon contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
The similarities between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches continue with their use of nylon for both top and bottom housing materials. This consistency in housing material ensures that users will experience a similar level of sound profile and tactile feedback when typing on either switch. The impact of the nylon material on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile remains constant across both switches, contributing to an enhanced typing experience for users of both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches are identical, as both switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This consistency in housing material results in a comparable typing experience for users of both switches, with a similar sound profile and overall feel. The use of nylon as the housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience for users of both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Peach switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Peach's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Peach is 50 grams whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown. This means that the Outemu Peach switch is heavier when bottoming out. People who prefer a lighter key press may gravitate towards the Outemu Peach switch due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red switch with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for key press weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be more noticeable to some users, with the Outemu Peach providing a slightly shallower keypress compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Outemu Peach will depend on your personal preference for keypress depth and 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter and more satisfying typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as having a more neutral and muted sound, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being too loud. While both switches offer a quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red may have a deeper and more satisfying sound due to its thocky characteristic.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing a slightly heftier typing experience compared to other linear switches. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle typing feel, creating a gentle and approachable experience for most users. Additionally, the Peach switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances key travel and reduces friction during typing. Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch may offer a slightly more tactile and textured feel, while the Outemu Peach switch provides a smoother and more polished typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Peach switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Red switch emphasizes a quieter sound profile with a textured feel, the Outemu Peach switch focuses on a more neutral sound and a polished, light typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches will provide a satisfactory performance, giving you a similar level of typing comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to your individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its muted and thocky sound profile, along with its textured feel, provides a satisfying yet discreet typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light typing experience without compromising on silence, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be the perfect fit. Its lightweight and silenced characteristics make it a great option for linear switch enthusiasts looking for a gentle and polished typing feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.