Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their linear design. The MX Silent Red is applauded for its quiet operation, making it a perfect choice for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are praised for their smooth and buttery feel, thanks to a factory-lubed finish that reduces friction for effortless key travel. Each switch has its own characteristics, with the MX Silent Red being more muted and textured, while the KTT Pine is described as bassy and creamy. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Pine, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their material composition. The MX Silent Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. While both materials have their distinct characteristics, users may prefer one over the other depending on their sound preferences.
Despite their differences, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red and the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Pine both offer unique advantages. The nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine allows for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for users looking to customize their setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Pine become more apparent. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This split in housing materials highlights how each component can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the user experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 45 grams, while the KTT Pine linear switch also has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of initial press. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force compared to the KTT Pine's bottom out force of 58 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cherry MX Silent Red more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions due to the absence of a specified bottom out force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the KTT Pine with its medium bottom out force. 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, making it shorter than the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel of typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red can provide a more responsive typing experience, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Pine switch may offer a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is best suited for those seeking a muted, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving users a deeper and richer auditory feedback during typing sessions. While both switches aim to reduce noise output, the MX Silent Red takes a more subdued approach, whereas the Pine offers a more resonant sound profile with bass-heavy tones.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is best described as textured, possibly providing a slight friction when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine contributes to a seamless and comfortable typing sensation, perfect for users looking for a smooth and consistent tactile feedback.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If a user is looking for a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a richer sound profile with a buttery and creamy feel, the KTT Pine switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your preference for sound and feel. If you value a silent typing experience and are in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red is the way to go, as it offers a muted, thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery feel while typing and enjoy a bassy, low-pitched sound, the KTT Pine may be more suitable for you with its factory-lubed finish and medium bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
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