Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Wine Red 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 KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches. The MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the traditional MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red provides a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile that some users find satisfying. While the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Wine Red is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Nylon top housing of the MX 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. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials have their own distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red's Nylon and the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate contribute to the overall sound profile in a similar manner as the top housings. The softer Nylon material of the Cherry MX Silent Red once again results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate of the KTT Wine Red produces a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel further emphasizes the differences in sound profile between the two switches. Despite the similarities in the materials used for the bottom housings, the resulting typing experience can vary significantly based on the properties of each material.
In terms of aesthetic appeal and functionality, the polycarbonate material used in the top housing of the KTT Wine Red offers a unique advantage for users interested in RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for enhanced lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for users looking to customize their keyboard experience. The Nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red, while not offering the same visual appeal, still provides a satisfying typing experience with its deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference in typing sound, aesthetic preferences, and the desired level of customization.
Weight
The actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is slightly higher at 45 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch at 44 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Wine Red is significantly higher at 55 grams compared to the Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Silent Red would be considered lighter due to the lower actuation force, while the Wine Red would be considered heavier due to the higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the preferred choice, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the KTT Wine Red. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so even with their differences in force requirements, users can expect similar results in terms of key response.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Wine Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Silent Red switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch with a longer travel distance may feel more substantial and offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving off a deep and rich tone with each key press. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of sound, with the MX Silent Red being ideal for a subtle typing experience and the Wine Red for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound.
In regard to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, offering a subtle friction when pressed that some users may find appealing. However, information on the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is unknown. This could potentially mean that the Wine Red switch provides a smoother typing experience compared to the textured feel of the MX Silent Red, but without specific details, it is difficult to make a direct comparison on this aspect.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Wine Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the MX Silent Red is praised for its muted and satisfyingly quiet typing experience, the Wine Red presents a deep and rich sound profile that may appeal to users who prefer a bassy tone. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and potentially feel, with both switches likely to provide a similar linear typing experience in terms of smoothness and key actuation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Wine Red linear switches, you should consider your priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Red switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and pillowy typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you choose the MX Silent Red for its muted and thocky sound or the Wine Red for its bassy and low-pitched tones, both switches offer a distinct typing experience worth exploring.
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