Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can profoundly affect your typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red switches are prized for their linear feel, closely resembling the classic MX Red, but with the added benefit of near-silent operation. This makes them an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, where a quiet typing experience is crucial. They offer a muted yet thocky and textured tactile sensation that maintains a satisfying heft. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile experience, giving users a subtle to moderate tactile feedback upon actuation. Their balanced sound profile enhances the typing experience without being overly loud, making them suitable for those who appreciate a tactile bump but still value a relatively quiet operation. While the Silent Reds excel in quiet environments, the Weightlessness switches offer a tactile sensation that many typists enjoy. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Weightlessness switches share a fundamental similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is not only classic but also plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic profile of the switches. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic compared to harder alternatives, tends to absorb sound rather than reflecting it. As a result, both switches are designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is especially notable when typing. The softness of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience during use. This shared material gives both switches a reputation for quieter operation, making them ideal for users who prefer a more muted typing sound.
While both switches feature identical nylon housings, their sound profiles ultimately reflect the combined influence of the top and bottom housings. With the MX Silent Red and Gateron Weightlessness, users can expect a similar acoustic experience, as both are constructed from the same nylon material that absorbs sound effectively. This consistency in construction means that whether you bottom out the key or release it, the auditory results will remain comparable. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound while the top housing influences the sound upon the key's release. Thus, performance across both switches will yield comparable results, ensuring a satisfying tactile and auditory experience.
However, the manufacturing nuances between the Cherry MX and Gateron switches may still introduce variations in feel and feedback. While the materials are the same, factors such as stem design, spring tension, and overall switch assembly may lead to subtle differences in key actuation and responsiveness. Users may experience these minute distinctions, especially if they are accustomed to one brand over the other. Therefore, even though the nylon housing creates a consistent sound profile, the overall performance of the switches can be perceived differently due to individual design traits. Ultimately, switching between these two options still allows for similarly desirable acoustic outcomes, while offering unique tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the actuation forces reveal a notable difference in feel and performance. The Cherry MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to register a keystroke. This difference means that the Silent Red switch is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions and extended gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, since both switches have unknown bottom out forces, we cannot draw direct comparisons in that regard, leaving a gap in understanding their overall responsiveness when pressed fully. Users who prefer a heavier feel may find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing, as it provides a more substantial typing experience, while those looking for lighter switches might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Silent Red for its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences are clear. The MX Silent Red features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a longer travel distance, providing a more robust tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: a shorter distance for a snappier response or a longer distance for a more substantial key press.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is characterized by a muted and thocky quality, producing a softer, quieter response that is particularly suited to environments where noise reduction is important. The switch's low-pitched tone offers a satisfying depth, creating a deep, rich sound akin to a soft knock when pressed. This can be excellent for those who want a mechanical feel without the typical clacks of standard switches. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have a balanced sound profile, though specifics on their acoustics are unknown. This balance may suggest a less pronounced auditory experience compared to the thocky presence of the MX Silent Red, but ultimately, sound is influenced by the keyboard build and keycap selection, meaning both switches can be tailored for various acoustic outcomes.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches are noted for their textured feedback, providing a noticeable friction during key presses that some users prefer for a more engaged typing experience. This added texture can enhance the overall sensation of typing, making it feel more deliberate and satisfying. Meanwhile, details regarding the tactile feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches remain unclear, which leaves potential users in need of additional information. Yet, tactile switches typically aim to offer a balance of feedback without being overly disruptive, so it's possible that they may provide a more moderate tactile experience.
In summary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch excels in delivering a muted, thocky sound and a distinctly textured feel, making it a great choice for quiet environments and those who appreciate tactile feedback. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, while lacking specific details on sound and feel, still promise a balanced auditory experience, suggesting that they may cater to users looking for a more subdued option. While both switches present different characteristics, they offer unique advantages that can cater to typing preferences, and the resources you choose, such as keycaps and keyboard construction, can further shape your experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared space where quiet typing is essential, the MX Silent Red will serve you well with its muted sound profile and smooth linear feel, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback without excessive noise, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be your best bet. Its subtle tactile feel enhances your typing experience, giving you both a satisfying feedback with each key press and a balanced sound profile that’s more accommodating to those in close proximity. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your preferences, ensuring a more enjoyable and efficient typing experience.
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