Cherry MX Silent Red vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star RedBlue both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its quiet operation compared to the classic MX Red. It provides a slightly heavier feel while maintaining a satisfying typing experience with a significantly muted sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile. These switches are well-suited for those who prefer a neutral and polished feel 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star RedBlue, it's clear that they offer contrasting sound profiles. The Nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Silent Red produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the SP-Star RedBlue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This means that typing on the MX Silent Red will result in a duller and rounder sound, while typing on the SP-Star RedBlue will produce a more clear and resonant sound.
Aesthetically, the housing materials also differ between the two switches. The MX Silent Red's nylon housing provides a classic and opaque look, while the polycarbonate housing of the SP-Star RedBlue offers a clear and translucent appearance. The use of polycarbonate in the RedBlue allows for RGB lighting to shine through the switch, enhancing the overall look and feel of the keyboard. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's nylon housing may not offer the same visual appeal for users looking to incorporate colorful lighting effects into their setup.
While the top and bottom housing materials may differ for each switch, they both play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Ultimately, choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star RedBlue will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal in a keyboard switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without causing fatigue. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, so it is unclear how much force is required to press the switch all the way down. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force for the RedBlue switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare directly to the MX Silent Red in this aspect. Overall, the MX Silent Red would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the SP-Star RedBlue would be better suited for individuals looking for a switch with a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cherry MX Silent Red being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the SP-Star RedBlue to be more satisfying with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, but both will provide reliable and quality performance.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 switch provides a muted and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched tone, perfect for those seeking a quieter keyboard in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile with a neutral actuation force, suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, with the MX Silent Red being slightly more muted compared to the lower-pitched RedBlue switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some users with a unique tactile feedback compared to smoother switches. Conversely, the SP-Star RedBlue switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable and smooth for most users. While the feeling of a switch is subjective to personal preference, the textured Cherry MX Silent Red may appeal to those looking for a slightly more tactile typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and thocky sound, while the RedBlue switch offers a lower-pitched sound with a neutral feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfactory typing experience, ensuring that you can achieve similar results in terms of performance and comfort with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a silent typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, then the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel, then the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing environment, desired sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
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