Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches reveals two distinct options for users looking for a quieter typing experience. The MX Silent Red offers a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but with the key feature of operating in near silence. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying typing experience. While the MX Silent Red is labeled as 'muted', 'thocky', 'low-pitched', 'textured', the Silent Grey's characteristics have not been categorized. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to harder plastic housings. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material creates a more clear and resonant typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent Grey use nylon materials. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the typing experience on both switches is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing is more impactful on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent Grey housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile may appreciate the nylon top and bottom housings of the MX Silent Red. On the other hand, individuals seeking a sharper and crisper typing sound may lean towards the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent Grey. While the materials vary in terms of sound characteristics, both switches provide a silent typing experience and can deliver similar results with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Red is lighter in actuation force at 45 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier at 50 grams. However, the bottom out force is unknown for the Silent Red, while the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Silent Grey requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red may be the better option, while the Silent Grey would appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a silent operation, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Red is the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response time for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a greater sense of depth and feedback when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance 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 Grey 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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, producing a thocky sound that is significantly quieter than traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but being part of the silent switch category, it is safe to assume that it also provides a quieter typing experience compared to standard mechanical switches. Both switches would be suitable for noise-sensitive environments, with the MX Silent Red offering a more specific description of its sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which can provide a unique tactile experience for users who appreciate a bit of friction when typing. The Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, but being categorized as a tactile switch, it likely offers a satisfying and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches would cater to users looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing on tactile feedback.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not provided, both switches are designed to provide a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the slightly textured feel of the MX Silent Red or the tactile experience of the Outemu Silent Grey. Ultimately, both switches would deliver similar results in terms of reduced noise output while providing a satisfactory typing experience for users.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches, you should choose the MX Silent Red if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a slightly heavier feel similar to the classic MX Red switch. This switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile is preferred. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile and quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch provides a satisfying and silent typing experience. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment when choosing between these two switches to ensure you select the best option for your needs.
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