Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, to the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a tactile feedback with a unique bottom-out and top-out sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a bit of feedback while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red Panda both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in both switches allows for the absorption of more sound due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. While the top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red is also made of nylon, the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the Red Panda.
In terms of aesthetics, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red Panda differ in their top housing materials. The Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a classic look with its opaque finish, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing features a clear design that allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This translucent feature is especially beneficial for users who want to customize their keyboard with vibrant lighting effects. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience due to the qualities their respective housing materials bring to the table. The Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound for a deeper sound profile, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper and more resonant sound.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red Panda will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon housing provides a softer and fuller sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials contributing to the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper sound with the Cherry MX Silent Red or a crisper sound with the Red Panda, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Red Panda at 50 grams. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red does not provide information on the bottom out force, while the Outemu Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Red Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different force characteristics, catering to individuals with varying preferences in typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm. In this case, the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Red Panda switch, you will feel the switch travel a slightly shorter distance compared to the MX Silent Red. Depending on personal preference, this difference in travel distance can affect the overall typing experience. Some may prefer the quicker response time of a shorter travel distance, while others may find a longer travel distance more comfortable and satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique typing experiences, with the Cherry MX Silent Red providing a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Red Panda.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter option. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a thocky sound with a mix of bassier bottom-out tones and clackier top-out tones, which can offer a unique auditory experience for users. Depending on personal preference, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable for noise-sensitive environments, while the Red Panda may appeal to those looking for a distinct sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its slightly textured feel, which can provide a different tactile sensation during typing compared to smoother switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild typing experience, striking a balance between various characteristics without leaning too heavily towards any extreme. The choice between these two switches may come down to whether a user prefers a subtle texture or a more gentle typing feel.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Red Panda offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, while the Red Panda offers a mix of tactile sensations and distinctive thocky tones. Depending on whether a user prioritizes sound or feel in their mechanical keyboard switch choice, they can find a suitable option between these two switches for their typing needs. Additionally, it is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive settings, the MX Silent Red is a great choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility and prefer a more bassy and clacky sound, the Red Panda switch might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Red Panda's mild characteristics may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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