Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback. The MX Silent Red is praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have any distinctive features commonly highlighted. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as ['Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'], the Outemu Red does not have any specific categories associated with it. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Red switches both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This means that typing on either switch will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Red switches have a nylon top housing, which will still contribute to a deeper sound profile but with a slightly different feel compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red.
The use of different materials for the top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Red switches leads to variations in sound and feel when typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red produces a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Red switch will still provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with a different tone compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Both switches maintain a classic feel with nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, while there are subtle differences between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Red switches in terms of their housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the Cherry MX Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing adds a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially suitable for users looking for a more distinct typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red's nylon top housing maintains a classic sound profile, ensuring a reliable typing experience for those seeking a softer sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Red is heavier at 62 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Cherry MX Silent Red may have a lighter initial keypress, the Outemu Red offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier weight is subjective, with lighter switches being preferable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has the shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Red. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the Outemu Red. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, with the only noticeable difference being the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Red 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 known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of noise level and sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some users with a more tactile typing experience compared to smoother switches. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Outemu Red switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the preferred choice. However, if tactile feel and switch texture are important factors for you, it may be best to test out both switches to see which one aligns better with your preferences. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch, so trying out different options is always recommended to find the best fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and enjoy a slightly heavier keypress with no bottom out force, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are indifferent to noise level, the Outemu Red switch may be more suitable for you. Consider your environment and personal typing preferences before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so either choice is a solid option depending on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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