Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The MX Silent Red offers a smooth linear typing experience with a quiet operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides a tactile typing feel with a pronounced bump, achieving a balanced medium weight typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities - the MX Silent Red for its muted and low-pitched nature, and the Thunder Shadow for its invigorating tactile feedback. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality between the two switches.
In contrast, the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing while the Thunder Shadow employs a polycarbonate top housing. This leads to a notable difference in sound profiles as nylon provides a deeper sound, whereas polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the Thunder Shadow switch. This difference in top housing materials showcases the impact that housing material can have on the sound and overall experience of a switch.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel. The qualities brought by each housing material are effectively split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how nylon and polycarbonate interact with key presses can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red is unspecified. If both switches have the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of the amount of force needed to press down fully. The choice between a lighter actuation force like the Cherry MX Silent Red and a heavier bottom out force like the Aflion Thunder Shadow ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, with the Thunder Shadow being the shorter option, the slight difference may result in a slightly faster response time for the Thunder Shadow. Gamers who prioritize quick reaction times may lean towards the Thunder Shadow for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more deliberate key press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Thunder Shadow being the shorter option and the MX Silent Red offering a slightly longer travel distance.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 is known for its muted and low-pitched profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments. Both switches exhibit different sound characteristics, with the MX Silent Red emphasizing a quieter operation, while the Thunder Shadow maintains a balanced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured quality, potentially providing a unique typing experience to users who prefer a slight friction when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation during typing. Despite their different tactile qualities, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced and neutral sound signature, coupled with an invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their sound and feel preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and your preference for sound and feel. If you require a significantly quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red would be a great choice with its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. However, if you prefer a tactile bump and a slightly heavier bottom-out force for a more invigorating typing sensation, the Thunder Shadow would be a suitable option with its neutral sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your typing environment.
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