Cherry MX Silent Red vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star Duck 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 SP-Star Duck offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences. The Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience without compromising on the satisfying feel of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch, provides a gentle tactile feedback that is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. While the MX Silent Red offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched feel, the Duck switch provides a neutral, mild, and buttery sensation. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
58g
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 Duck, one can see that the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the SP-Star Duck features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the SP-Star Duck produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Duck allows for more light to pass through, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
Despite the differences in the housing materials used for the Cherry MX Silent Red and the SP-Star Duck, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Nylon housing of the MX Silent Red provides a classic typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Duck offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone, the polycarbonate housing of the Duck produces a more resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the impact of the housing material can be felt differently depending on whether it is used in the top or bottom housing of a switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing for a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and typing experience, with nylon providing a softer, fuller sound and polycarbonate offering a sharper, crisper tone.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Duck switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is unknown. This means that the Duck switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to press all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, and users should consider their preference for force when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. This means that the MX Silent Red requires less distance to actuate compared to the Duck switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the MX Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the SP-Star Duck with its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted and thocky characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and user preferences. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the MX Silent Red being ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Duck switch provides a clean and crispy sound for a more subtle tactile feel.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured nature, offering users a tactile feedback with noticeable friction when pressed. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. While the MX Silent Red switch may appeal to users who prefer a textured feel, the Duck switch offers a more approachable and refined typing experience, suitable for a wider range of users.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quiet and thocky typing experience with its muted sound profile and textured feel, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, appealing to users looking for a more subtle tactile typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience in either case.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, you should keep in mind the specific qualities of each switch. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. This switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch is a great option. The Duck switch offers a gentle tactility and is suitable for most intents and purposes due to its moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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