Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique features to consider. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, is beloved for its quiet operation while still maintaining a satisfying typing experience with a slightly heftier feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch, boasts a smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its distinct characteristics and advantages depending on individual preferences. 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jerrzi Violet differ in their top housing materials, with the Silent Red featuring a nylon top housing and the Violet featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Red does not offer this feature.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jerrzi Violet utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches. This common bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent sound and feel when pressed down, with the impact of the bottom housing being more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Jerrzi Violet switches differ in composition, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when keys are released. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience with deep and full sound profiles due to the nylon bottom housing shared between the two.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it is unclear which one is heavier in that aspect. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of these switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Others may desire a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on actuation force, but their bottom out force remains a mystery, so results may be similar in that regard.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the two switches, it can be said that they both offer a consistent and reliable typing experience with the same amount of keypress travel. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Jerrzi Violet switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a neutral sound profile, suited for a variety of scenarios without being too loud or too quiet. When comparing the two, the MX Silent Red will give a quieter sound experience compared to the Violet switch, making it more suitable for noise-sensitive environments or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a slightly textured typing experience, providing a tactile feedback without being overly scratchy. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a more stepped tactile feel, with a noticeable difference between the pre-travel and post-travel of the keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Silent Red providing a smoother feel while the Violet offers more distinct tactile feedback.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile, while the Violet switch offers a more balanced and pleasingly tactile feel. Depending on whether one prioritizes sound or feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard users alike. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and need to work in noise-sensitive areas, the MX Silent Red would be ideal with its silent operation and satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a smooth actuation and poppy tactility for an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and work environment to enhance your overall productivity and comfort.
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