Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, there are distinct features that set them apart. The MX Silent Red is praised for maintaining the familiar feel of the MX Red switch while operating quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, perfect for those looking for a softer typing experience. Both switches offer a muted sound profile, but the MX Silent Red is more textured while the Silent Ink Black is described as silky and polished. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and fuller sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique clacky and sharp sound profile that is satisfying to type on.
While the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and rounder sound profile, the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. These differences in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the MX Silent Red offering a more subdued and muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black provides a sharper and more pronounced typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel while typing.
In terms of construction, the MX Silent Red and the Silent Ink Black offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials. The nylon housing of the MX Silent Red creates a softer and more absorbent typing experience, resulting in a deeper sound profile both when pressing down on a key and releasing it. On the other hand, the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black provides a sharper and more pointed sound profile, with a satisfying clacky feel that is consistent throughout typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring a customizable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black, which requires 60 grams of force for actuation. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Silent Ink Black is 70 grams, providing a heavier typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a silent typing experience, but the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force for actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Cherry MX Silent Red might be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Gateron Silent Ink Black may provide a more satisfying feel due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and quiet typing experience, but the preference between the two may ultimately come down to individual typing style and preference.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are categorized as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. The MX Silent Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying auditory feedback when pressed, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses solely on maintaining a muted sound profile. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a slightly textured feel, which can provide some friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with an emphasis on smooth key travel and minimal resistance. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing comfort, albeit through different tactile approaches.
In conclusion, while the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches may have some subtle differences, both switches are designed to cater to users in need of a quieter typing experience. Additionally, the feel of the switches varies slightly, with the MX Silent Red providing a textured sensation and the Silent Ink Black offering a silkier and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing comfort. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for individuals seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard option with a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you value a key switch with a lighter bottom out force and a slightly heftier feel that operates silently, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a better fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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