Cherry MX Silent Red vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai are two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The MX Silent Red is celebrated for its silent operation, mirroring the beloved traits of the classic MX Red while offering a slightly heftier feel that many users find satisfying. Its muted, thocky sound profile makes it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, allowing users to enjoy a tactile experience without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai presents a unique typing experience characterized by its incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile. This allows typists to enjoy a gentle and effortless feel, appealing to those who appreciate a smooth keystroke with less resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit a remarkable similarity in their housing materials, as both feature nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for its sound-dampening properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively soft texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches deliver a similar acoustic experience, making them appealing to users who prioritize noise reduction and a smooth keystroke. Each switch, leaning on the same nylon composition for its housing, provides a consistent auditory and tactile response that typists often seek out.

Both switches benefit from the allocation of their housing materials, with nylon's characteristics influencing the overall typing experience. The sound produced when a key is pressed depends on various factors, including the rigidity and density of the housing. Since the MX Silent Red and the Yunhai utilize nylon in both their top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable performance. The notable sound-profile presented during keystrokes will be rounded and muted, thanks to the nylon’s absorption properties, providing a soothing typing experience whether one is using Cherry's or TTC's offering.

Despite having identical housing materials, the nuances in user interaction may differ depending on slight variations in design or switch mechanics. In switches where the top and bottom housings feature different materials, users would notice how these differences impact the sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a more substantial role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In the case of the MX Silent Red and TTC Yunhai, both maintain consistency with nylon, which ensures that users will find similar results regardless of the switch brand. Consequently, both switches cater effectively to enthusiasts seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, noteworthy differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cherry MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the TTC Yunhai's actuation force of 42 grams, making the Yunhai the lighter option for typing. However, the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown, whereas the Yunhai switch has a definitive bottom out force of 50 grams. This additional weight at the bottom out could provide a more substantial feedback experience for users who prefer a firmer feel when they type. Consequently, if you favor a lighter touch for extended use, the TTC Yunhai switch may be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke, the Cherry MX Silent Red might align more closely with your typing style. Overall, the differences in actuation force indicate that the TTC Yunhai is easier to press, while the unknown bottom out force for the MX Silent Red leaves some uncertainty in how its performance compares when fully pressed down.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is clear that they are quite similar, yet distinct. The Cherry MX Silent Red offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly longer than the TTC Yunhai, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm is minimal, but it could affect the typing experience for some users. Those who favor shorter travel distances might lean towards the Yunhai for its more responsive feel, while others who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a more modern, shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, appealing to gamers and typists looking for improved responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Cherry MX Silent Red is characterized by its muted, thocky, and low-pitched qualities. This switch effectively dampens the typical sounds produced by mechanical keyboards, making it an ideal choice for those who need a quieter workspace. It offers a deep and rich sound when pressed, resembling a soft "thud" rather than a loud click, which is often preferred in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai are unknown, but considering its design priorities, it likely leans toward a more pronounced sound experience, potentially differing from the MX Silent Red's emphasis on quiet operation.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a textured experience, providing noticeable friction as each key is pressed. This texture can offer tactile feedback that some typists find rewarding, while others may prefer a smoother sensation. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Yunhai is not specified, but it is designed to have a very light actuation force, which suggests that it may provide a gentler touch compared to the heftier feel of the MX Silent Red.

In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai switches serve different preferences in typing experience. The Silent Red excels in sound control and provides a textured feel, making it suitable for quieter environments where tactile feedback is appreciated. The Yunhai's specifics in sound and feel are unknown; however, its lightweight actuation hints at an effortless typing experience. If you seek a silent operation with a textured feel, the MX Silent Red will cater to your needs, while the Yunhai may offer a different lightweight typing experience, albeit with less known attributes.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment you’ll be using them in. If you find yourself typing in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared space, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. With its muted and thocky sound profile, it not only provides a satisfying typing experience but also minimizes the disruptive noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. Conversely, if you appreciate a lighter touch and prefer a typing experience that emphasizes ease and effortless keystrokes, the TTC Yunhai is well-suited for you. With a 50-gram bottom-out force and a light actuation, they foster a more casual typing style, making them appealing for extensive typing sessions where speed is a priority. In summary, choose the Cherry MX Silent Red for a quieter, yet rich tactile experience, and opt for the TTC Yunhai if you lean toward a lighter and smooth feel in your keyboard usage.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more