Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face the challenge of choosing the right one to suit their typing preferences and environments. The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are two noteworthy linear switches that offer distinctive experiences for users. The MX Silent Red is celebrated for its quiet operation, mirroring the classic feel of the MX Red while boasting a muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive settings like shared offices or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight option that emphasizes smoothness and delivers a rich, thocky sound when activated, offering an engaging tactile experience at a competitive price point. While both switches cater to different needs—one prioritizing silence and the other focusing on smooth key travel and acoustic feedback—each can enhance your typing experience in unique ways. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, one noteworthy distinction lies in the types of plastics used. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, excels in dampening vibrations and sound, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile that is perceived as more rounded and less harsh. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) housing, which while also offering a deeper sound, produces a unique auditory experience that is slightly less muted than that of nylon. The use of POM allows the Sea Salt Smoothie to maintain a pleasing sound characteristic, but there is a subtle difference in the richness compared to the MX Silent Red's all-nylon construction.
Despite the differences in materials, both switch types aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience. The MX Silent Red's housing works in harmony to create a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel due to the acoustic dampening of the nylon. Similarly, the POM materials of the Sea Salt Smoothie also contribute to a muted bottom-out experience though differently characterized, resulting in a unique sound profile that many users appreciate. While nylon may absorb and soften the sound further, POM still manages to create a sound that is rich yet distinct, making both switches a suitable choice for those looking for quieter operation in their mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie comes down to personal preference regarding sound and overall typing experience. Users can expect a decent level of similarity in performance and noise level due to an inherent design focus on softness and sound absorption; however, the subtle nuances brought by the housing materials will impact how the switches sound and feel during use. For those who prioritize a complete acoustic dampening experience, the MX Silent Red may be favored, while avid fans of a unique and pleasing sound profile might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housings.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the MX Silent Red requiring a force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie demands a slightly heavier 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Silent Red switch is a lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unknown, leaving us unable to directly compare their resistance when bottoming out. However, given the actuation forces, typers or gamers seeking a lighter switch might prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those looking for a more substantial feel might opt for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which provides a marginally heavier response.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that users can expect a consistent feel and performance when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, providing similar tactile feedback and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Since their travel distances are the same, those looking for a uniform experience in their mechanical keyboard can confidently choose between the two without concern for differences in depth of travel.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 characterized by its muted sound profile, which allows for quieter typing without losing the satisfying tactile feedback that many users seek. This silent operation makes it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive environments, as it minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, while specific sound qualities for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not provided, it is designed to deliver a thocky sound profile. This indicates a deeper, richer auditory response that many typists find enjoyable. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard's structure, keycap material, and even the surface beneath the keyboard.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a notably textured experience, with a slight friction that some typists appreciate for added tactile feedback. This textured feel can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer to feel each keypress. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie, leaving its response and texture unknown. This discrepancy means that typists seeking an exceptionally smooth experience would need to rely on personal testing to determine how the Gateron switch aligns with their preferences.
In summary, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a muted and subtle typing experience with a slight texture, making it well-suited for quiet environments and tactile feedback. Its counterpart, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, promises a thocky auditory quality, though its feel remains unspecified. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches can yield a satisfying experience, but they embody different auditory and tactile characteristics that may appeal to distinct user preferences. If you're looking for a balance between sound and tactile feedback, you may find satisfying results with either option, though testing the Sea Salt Smoothie will be necessary to fully appreciate its unique feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment, such as a shared workspace or living with others, the MX Silent Red is the ideal option, offering a smooth typing experience and a quiet sound profile that minimizes distractions. Its muted, low-pitched tones allow for a satisfying keypress without being disruptive, making it perfect for late-night work or study sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more tactile sound experience while still enjoying linear characteristics, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for you. Known for its thocky acoustics and exceptional smoothness, this switch can provide a more enjoyable aural feedback during typing without being overly loud, catering well to users who appreciate a richer sound. Thus, if you prioritize noise control, go for the MX Silent Red; but if you're inclined towards a responsive and thocky typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your perfect match.
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