Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages to users. The MX Silent Red is favored for its quiet operation, providing a satisfying typing experience with a significantly reduced sound profile compared to its MX Red counterpart. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend that delivers a smooth typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Piano switch is classified as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Piano both feature top housings made of different materials. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano has a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the specific properties of nylon and POM blend may result in slightly different sound characteristics.
In terms of bottom housings, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Piano also differ in materials. The MX Silent Red features a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which promises a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so the choice of material can greatly affect the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Piano aim to deliver a premium typing experience with enhanced sound profiles. While the nylon and POM blend materials may offer slightly different sound characteristics, both switches prioritize creating a deeper and fuller sound for users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Durock Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience due to their commitment to using high-quality housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a clear distinction in weight. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Piano's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Silent Red has none listed, while the Piano requires 63.5 grams for a full press. This makes the Cherry MX Silent Red the lighter option of the two, as it has a lower actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the MX Silent Red, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red requires less distance for the key to travel from the top to the bottom compared to the Piano switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Durock Piano with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Regardless, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, ensuring a satisfying 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Durock Piano switches, the MX Silent Red is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its bassy sound, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. While both switches aim to minimize noise, the MX Silent Red focuses on a more subtle and muted sound, while the Durock Piano emphasizes a deeper and more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some users with a tactile experience during typing. On the contrary, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky smooth feel, offering an effortless and fluid typing experience without any noticeable resistance or friction when pressing the keys. These differences in feel cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users, with the Cherry MX Silent Red providing a textured sensation and the Durock Piano ensuring a silky smooth typing experience.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter sound profile with a slightly textured feel, while the Durock Piano stands out for its deep and rich bassy sound with a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive places, the MX Silent Red switch would be a great choice due to its silent operation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and pleasant typing feel with a deep and creamy sound, the Durock Piano switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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