Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, we see a distinct difference in their operating mechanisms. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is praised for its quiet operation while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. The MX Silent Red is best suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments, while the Outemu Purple is ideal for individuals who enjoy the tactile sensation and feedback while typing. 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
50g
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
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 Purple switches, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. This common feature in both switches may result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound production and overall feel.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the MX Silent Red featuring a nylon top housing and the Outemu Purple utilizing polycarbonate for its top housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Purple leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. This distinction in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound and potentially the overall typing experience between the two switches.
In essence, while both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Purple switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in the material used for their top housing. This discrepancy in housing materials contributes to variations in sound profiles and potentially typing experiences between the two switches. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deep and full sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Outemu Purple's top housing yields a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, users may prefer one over the other based on their preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one has a heavier bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the MX Silent Red would be more preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch would be favored by users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Silent Red offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch provides a bit more depth and tactile feedback due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the MX Silent Red being more responsive and the Outemu Purple offering a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors for sound, so it may not provide the same level of quietness as the MX Silent Red. When considering sound, the MX Silent Red would be a better choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which may provide a unique tactile sensation when typing. However, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any descriptors for feel, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of the tactile feedback it offers. If feel is an important factor for a newcomer, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be a more defined choice.
In conclusion, for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a muted, low-pitched sound profile and a textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if the sound and feel of the switch are not significant factors for the newcomer, they may find similar results with the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, as both switches offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and your preference for sound. If you are in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red is the way to go, offering a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience and do not mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Purple switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
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