Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding present two distinct yet compelling options. The Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its quiet operation, mirroring the beloved characteristics of the MX Red but with an emphasis on minimizing noise—making it a prime choice for those in noise-sensitive environments who still seek a slightly heftier, textured feel during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is a hall effect switch renowned for its smooth operation and deep sound profile, offering a satisfying and precise typing experience. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking for versatility in their setups. While both switches cater to specific user needs—whether prioritizing silence or performance—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
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding, there are notable differences that significantly affect the typing experience and sound profiles of each switch. The Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which is designed to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic allows for a more muted typing sound, creating an overall quieter experience that appeals to users looking for reduced noise during operation. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material, being significantly stiffer than nylon, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance of polycarbonate provide a different tactile feedback that contributes to the switch’s auditory characteristics, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing.
Despite the differing materials in their top housings, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Rice Pudding share a common element in their bottom housing, as both switches utilize nylon. This consistency means that when bottoming out the keys, both switches produce a deeper and rounder sound profile due to nylon’s inherent properties. The nylon in the bottom housing is crucial in shaping the feel and sound at the point of actuation, leading to a more muted experience in both switches. Consequently, users will find a similar sensation when pressing down on the keys, thus creating a balance between the deeper sound of the bottom housing of both switches and the contrasting sound characteristics attributed to their respective top housings.
The differences in materials affect how each switch handles sound and feel during typing. While the MX Silent Red produces a more subdued auditory experience overall due to its nylon top and bottom housings, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its polycarbonate top, offers a more pronounced sound profile when releasing the key. Ultimately, if a user prioritizes visual aesthetics and enjoys the glow of RGB lighting, the Rice Pudding’s clear polycarbonate housing may be more appealing. However, both switches’ nylon bottom housing ensures that the fundamental typing experience retains a level of consistency, providing a deep acoustic feel while catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback from the distinct top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, one notable difference is their actuation forces. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it feel slightly heavier compared to the Rice Pudding, which has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This difference suggests that the Rice Pudding switch may offer a more effortless keystroke, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Everglide Rice Pudding is specified at 48 grams, indicating a concrete resistance when the switch is fully pressed down, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is not available for comparison. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended use may gravitate towards the Rice Pudding, while users looking for a more substantial feel might still be attracted to the heavier actuation of the MX Silent Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding a better choice for those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from shorter actuation distances. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a deeper and more comforting typing experience. Thus, while both switches are designed for different preferences, the MX Silent Red offers more depth compared to the more responsive, albeit shorter, Rice Pudding switch.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 linear switch creates a notably muted acoustic profile, perfect for environments where noise reduction is paramount. It suffices to say that this switch minimizes the typical clangor associated with mechanical keyboards, delivering a deep, thocky sound quality characterized by low-pitched tones. This satisfying “thud” upon actuation provides a unique auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without disturbing others nearby. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its smooth operation complemented by a deeper sound. While specifics of its sound profile aren’t detailed, the description suggests it likely has a richer quality compared to standard linear switches. This, combined with the Rice Pudding's performance-oriented design, hints at a pleasing auditory experience as well, albeit less quantified compared to the MX Silent Red.
Regarding the feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, allowing for a controlled typing experience. The noticeable friction can be a point of preference for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. This texture offers a distinct sensation under the fingers, giving users a solid understanding of the key's position and actuation. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding lacks specific details about its tactile feedback characteristics. However, the switch is renowned for a smooth operation, which may imply a frictionless experience that appeals to users seeking a gliding typing feel. The variances in feel between these two switches may lead to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red catering more to users who appreciate sensory texture in their keypresses.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present distinct yet appealing qualities in sound and feel. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quiet, thocky auditory experience coupled with a textured key press that some users may find gratifying. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding promises a balanced typing experience with smooth operation and a deeper sound that matches its performance-oriented design, although its tactile feedback remains unknown. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on personal preferences in sound and tactile feel, with both switches capable of delivering satisfying results tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Cherry MX Silent Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches ultimately depends on your specific use case and preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment—such as an office or shared living space—where quiet typing is essential, the MX Silent Red's muted sound profile and near-silent operation will serve you well. This switch offers a satisfying tactile experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more pronounced auditory feedback and are seeking a versatile switch that enhances your typing experience with a deeper, richer sound character, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force and smooth operation can elevate your gaming sessions, particularly if you're utilizing Wooting keyboards that take advantage of its unique capabilities. In conclusion, consider your environment and typing style when deciding; both switches have their strengths tailored to different preferences and settings.
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