Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique advantages worth considering. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is praised for maintaining the classic MX Red's feel but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out for its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that provides a distinct typing experience characterized by dryness, wispiness, and a weightlessness that defies expectations. While the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience, the Sea Glass switch provides a unique hollow sound signature and an easy-to-press feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches both utilize nylon, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Sea Glass switch combines polymer nylon with UHMWPE, resulting in a unique blend that offers a brighter sound profile compared to the more dull and round sound of the MX Silent Red. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience, with the Sea Glass switch providing a slightly sharper but still pleasant sound compared to the MX Silent Red.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and the Sea Glass switches feature nylon material that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Sea Glass switch's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE may offer a slightly different bottom-out sound profile compared to the MX Silent Red. The unique blend of materials in the Sea Glass switch could potentially provide a more varied typing experience, with a different feel and sound upon pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon material in their top and bottom housings, the Durock Sea Glass switch's blend with UHMWPE sets it apart from the Cherry MX Silent Red in terms of sound profile. The Sea Glass switch offers a brighter sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more unique typing experience. However, if you enjoy the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, the MX Silent Red may still provide a satisfying typing experience similar to that of the Sea Glass switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be considered lighter due to the lack of information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a light typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch may be the preferable option, as it would require less force to press. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we see that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches are on the shorter side compared to more traditional switches, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect how each switch feels when typing or gaming. The Silent Red may feel more responsive due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while the Sea Glass may offer a bit more depth in the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds a distinct charm to the typing experience. While the Sea Glass switches may not be as quiet as the MX Silent Red, they provide a satisfying auditory feedback that some users may prefer.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a slightly textured feel, offering a balance between smoothness and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches are praised for their frictionless and feathery feel, providing an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The Sea Glass switches are also noted for their mild and easy-to-press characteristics, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Durock Sea Glass switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red is a reliable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more airy and frictionless typing feel with a distinct hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switches may be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique aesthetic appeal and a lightweight, frictionless feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and what typing experience you value the most.
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