Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a silent typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user, making it great for work and extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, with the MX Silent Red being 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the White Lotus is 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus both feature nylon top housings, which are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This makes typing on both switches feel more premium and satisfying. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches also use nylon material, which further enhances the sound profile and overall typing experience. The similar use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent and high-quality typing experience for users.
One key point of difference between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus is the material used for the top housing. While the MX Silent Red uses nylon material for its top housing, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend housing. This unique blend gives the White Lotus switch a distinct and premium feel that sets it apart from the MX Silent Red. However, both switches still provide a deep and satisfying sound profile during typing, thanks to the quality of the materials used in their housings.
Despite the difference in the top housing material, both switches share the commonality of having nylon bottom housings. This means that the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch remains consistent between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps to create a duller and rounder sound when typing, adding to the overall typing experience regardless of the switch being used. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with differences in top housing material contributing to unique feels between the two.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is apparent that the Cherry MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, compared to the Durock White Lotus at 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Durock White Lotus at 56 grams is heavier than the Cherry MX Silent Red, for which the force is unknown. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Durock White Lotus is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have slightly different travel distances, with the MX Silent Red measuring at 3.7 mm and the White Lotus at 4 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall feel and response of the keyboard. The MX Silent Red with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quick and precise keystrokes, while the White Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, thocky, and low-pitched profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a calming typing environment suitable for various settings. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, with the MX Silent Red leaning towards a deeper, bass-heavy tone, while the White Lotus provides a more moderate and versatile sound experience. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and environment will also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, providing a sense of friction when pressed. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is lauded for its easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel, offering a light actuation force and gentle resistance for a comfortable typing experience. The White Lotus switches strike a balance between a responsive typing feel and low-impact touch, ideal for preventing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Those who prefer a smoother, less tactile feel may lean towards the White Lotus, while the MX Silent Red's textured sensation may suit users who enjoy a bit of feedback during typing.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a quieter sound profile with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value a light, tactile typing experience with a neutral sound, the White Lotus switch is a compelling option. Consider your typing habits, environment, and desired typing feel when deciding between these switches to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. With either choice, you can expect to enjoy a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a silent and slightly heftier typing experience with reduced noise levels, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a light tactile typing experience with a delicate balance of tactility and RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prefer a quieter typing experience or a light tactile feel with vibrant illumination. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing needs.
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