Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green both offer a different typing experience. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. It provides a satisfying typing experience with a muted, thocky feel and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is also a linear switch but lacks specific standout characteristics. It is categorized simply as silent. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green, one key difference lies in their housing materials. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. While both switches aim to provide a silent typing experience, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housing will ultimately determine the sound and feel of each key press.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green become more apparent. The MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing continues to contribute to its deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces its sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance during key presses. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housing further highlights the unique sound characteristics of each switch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green share similarities in their quest for a silent typing experience, the choice of housing materials sets them apart. The nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Silent Red provide a softer and deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Silent Green offer a sharper and crisper sound experience. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant sound will heavily depend on the housing materials chosen. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound and feel of each key press, making the decision between the MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green a matter of personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Outemu Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams. In this case, the Outemu Silent Green switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option due to its lower actuation force and unknown bottom out force. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel with its heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. 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 Outemu Silent Green linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Green being closer to the standard 4.0mm mark, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly shallower press. Gamers may prefer the MX Silent Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Silent Green. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and tactility you prefer in your 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 Silent Green 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 linear switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. In terms of feel, it offers a textured sensation when pressed, which some users may find preferable for added feedback. On the other hand, information regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is unavailable. However, based on the information provided, users can expect a quiet typing experience with the Outemu Silent Green switch, similarly to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, individuals should consider their preference for sound and feel to determine which switch best suits their typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Green linear switches, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you work or game in a noise-sensitive setting and prioritize a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red with its silent operation and muted sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Silent Green with its medium bottom out force may provide the tactile feedback you are looking for. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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