Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent White, both of which are linear switches. The MX Silent Red, a variant of the MX Red, offers a slightly heftier feel but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. With a 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured' profile, the MX Silent Red provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White does not have any notable characteristics specified but is also designed to operate quietly. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience, both switches offer a good option to consider. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent White, one can see that both switches use 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. However, the top housing materials differ, with the MX Silent Red using nylon and the Outemu Silent White using polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red.
While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the top housing materials of the MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent White offer distinct sound profiles. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent White leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent White allows for greater translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This gives users more flexibility in terms of customization and aesthetics.
In understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch sound and feel, it becomes apparent that the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a significant role in overall typing experience. While both the MX Silent Red and Silent White switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The split in qualities between the bottom and top housing means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon releasing a key will be shaped by the top housing material. This distinction highlights how variations in housing materials can result in unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent White linear switches both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring a consistent experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out force. The MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent White has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Silent White switch requires a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing experience compared to the Silent Red switch. Regarding weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Silent White switch for a more defined keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular for quick response times, especially among gamers. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent White with its shorter travel distance. However, for users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a more satisfying experience with its slightly longer travel distance. 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 Silent White 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 popular for its muted and thocky sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This switch also boasts a low-pitched tone, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured nature, which may provide users with a tactile feedback when typing. However, the Outemu Silent White's feel characteristics are unknown, making it challenging to assess how it compares to the Cherry MX Silent Red in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Overall, if sound level is a priority for you, the Cherry MX Silent Red would likely be the preferred choice with its quieter operation. However, if feel is more important and you enjoy a textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be a better fit. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so it is essential to test out different options to see which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments while still enjoying the classic feel of a Cherry MX Red switch, then the MX Silent Red is the clear choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are indifferent to the sound profile of your keyboard, the Outemu Silent White may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your priorities and preferences carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
