Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Tom. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a quiet typing experience while still maintaining the satisfying feel of the classic MX Red switch. With a muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured profile, the MX Silent Red is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that lacks specific defining characteristics. While the Tom may not have as distinct of qualities as the MX Silent Red, it still offers a tactile typing experience for those who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Tom, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. While both materials have their distinct sound characteristics, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offers a more muted and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Tom delivers a clearer and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Tom utilize nylon for this component. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches exhibit a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of nylon housing materials. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer slight variations in sound and feel based on their other components, such as the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Cherry MX Silent Red with its nylon top and bottom housing provides a softer and more muted typing experience, the Outemu Tom's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. If both switches were to utilize the same housing material for both the top and bottom components, such as nylon, users can expect a consistent deep and fuller sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Outemu Tom, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but it is likely that the MX Silent Red would bottom out with a lighter force due to its lower actuation force. This means that the MX Silent Red would be preferred by users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Outemu Tom would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the MX Silent Red has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Tom with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Tom may provide a slight edge in terms of responsiveness, while the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red may offer a more substantial key press feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Tom 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
Sound-wise, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience compared to the Outemu Tom switch, which has no specific sound descriptions available. The MX Silent Red provides a thocky sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Tom switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a unique typing experience compared to the Outemu Tom switch, for which there is no specific feel description available. The texture of the MX Silent Red switch adds a subtle friction that some users may appreciate, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Without specific details on the feel of the Outemu Tom switch, it's challenging to determine how it differs from the textured feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red.
Overall, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is a great option. However, if you are unsure about the feel and sound characteristics of the Outemu Tom switch, you may get similar results by choosing the Cherry MX Silent Red switch for a more predictable and known typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the linear switch feel, you should choose the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. It is perfect for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience with a more pronounced tactile bump, you should consider the Outemu Tom switch. It provides a different feel compared to linear switches and may be preferable for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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