Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silver, both of which are linear switches. The MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added bonus of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have a distinct reputation but is known for its linear feel. While the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Outemu Silver does not have any specific characteristics associated with it. If you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red may be the way to go, while the Outemu Silver could be a solid choice for those who prefer a linear feel without any frills. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silver, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. However, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Outemu Silver opts for a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrasting choice in material affects the overall sound and feel of each switch.
The use of nylon in both switches' bottom housing means that they both share a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the choice of material for the top housing sets them apart. While the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing creates a softer and more absorbent sound, the Outemu Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material in the Silver's top housing allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal that the MX Silent Red may lack with its nylon top housing.
With the qualities of the housing materials split between the top and bottom of each switch, users can expect a different experience when pressing down on the keys compared to releasing them. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can affect not only the overall sound profile but also the tactile feedback and user experience of each switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silver linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force while the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Outemu Silver switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force needed to fully depress the key compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue could be an issue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silver. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times might prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Outemu Silver with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
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 Silver 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 well-known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red is described as textured, providing a unique typing experience with a noticeable friction when pressed. Unfortunately, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not available for comparison. Overall, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for similar qualities in the Outemu Silver switch, it is recommended to explore user reviews or try out the switch in person to understand its subjective qualities better.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and prefer a switch with a slightly heavier feel compared to the MX Red, then the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a different bottom out force and are not particularly concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Silver linear switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so make sure to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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