Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a smooth and consistent typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its silent operation, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver which features a neutral sound profile. The MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and those looking for a muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu offers a light actuation force and is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one can notice distinct differences in the sound profiles each material produces. The Nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red results in a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. While both materials offer unique sonic characteristics, the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference in sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the MX Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize nylon for the bottom housing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect comparable sound experiences in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While the top housing may contribute more to the sound upon key release, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile during key presses.
Overall, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver showcase how different materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housings allows for a variety of sound profiles to cater to individual preferences. Additionally, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can see that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Outemu Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while both switches have the same initial force required to trigger a keystroke, the Outemu Yellow Silver will provide a slightly stronger push feel when bottoming out compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Silent Red the shorter option compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 and thocky experience with a low-pitched tone, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying sound of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wider range of users. Depending on personal preference, individuals may prefer the distinctive sound of the MX Silent Red or the more versatile sound of the Yellow Silver switch.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can enhance the tactile feedback experienced while typing, offering a unique feel to users who appreciate this feature. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available. However, it can be assumed that as a linear switch, it may provide a smoother and more consistent keystroke without the textured feel of the MX Silent Red.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its distinct sound profile and textured feel, while the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound with potentially smoother keystrokes, making it a versatile option for a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. By carefully considering these factors and experimenting with different switches, newcomers can determine which switch is best suited to their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. It offers the same satisfying feel as the MX Red but operates silently, thanks to its muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or typist who values speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch with its light actuation force would be a better fit. It provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be based on your preferred typing experience and the specific needs of your setup.
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