Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and are debating between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Orange switches, you may find yourself torn between two excellent options. The MX Silent Red offers a familiar typing experience akin to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a unique typing experience with a bouncy feel and a frictionless, smooth key travel thanks to its factory-lubing. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, but the MX Silent Red is classified as 'Muted' and 'Thocky', while the KTT Orange is 'Bouncy' and 'Frictionless'. 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
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Orange, it is clear that they both offer distinct advantages. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red provides a more rounded sound, the polycarbonate housing of the KTT Orange offers a clearer and resonant sound, catering to different preferences based on sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches continue to showcase their unique characteristics. The MX Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. Its softer plastic composition allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that is more clear and resonant. The difference in bottom housing materials showcases how each switch can offer a distinct typing experience based on the material composition of their housing components.
In summary, both the MX Silent Red and the KTT Orange demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the sound profile and overall feel of a switch. While the MX Silent Red's nylon housing offers a softer and more rounded sound experience, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Understanding how different housing materials can influence the typing experience allows users to choose switches that best suit their preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether opting for the MX Silent Red or the KTT Orange, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the distinct qualities brought about by their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 45 grams, while the KTT Orange linear switch has an actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation force, with the MX Silent Red being slightly lighter. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Silent Red has no specified amount, while the KTT Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may prefer the KTT Orange. The absence of a specified bottom out force in the MX Silent Red may result in a similar bottoming out experience to the KTT Orange's medium-light force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for fast response times, particularly gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant to the average user, as they are both shorter in comparison to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback one prefers when typing or gaming.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards while providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, with the Orange switch providing a unique low-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is characterized by a textured feel, providing some friction when pressed. On the contrary, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, with a spring-like feedback sensation and an extremely smooth key travel that minimizes resistance. The Orange switch's tactility is enhanced by the bouncy feel and frictionless nature, ensuring a fluid and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Orange switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a quieter typing experience. The MX Silent Red switch is preferred for its slightly heftier feel and muted sound, while the KTT Orange switch stands out for its bouncy, frictionless feel and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience without sacrificing the classic Cherry MX Red feel, the MX Silent Red switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch is a great choice. Ultimately, your preference for noise level, key feel, and sound profile will determine which switch is best suited for you. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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