Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Black both offer linear switch options with their own unique features. The MX Silent Red is renowned for its silent operation, providing the same tactile feedback and actuation force as the MX Red but with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Black lacks a distinct characteristic but is known for its smooth linear feel. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Outemu Black falls into a general category. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
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
The Cherry MX Silent Red's housing materials consist of a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, both contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile from the polycarbonate and a deeper sound from the nylon. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, the MX Silent Red's consistent use of nylon throughout creates a more uniform sound experience compared to the Black's mix of polycarbonate and nylon.
The difference in housing materials between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Black switches becomes apparent in their sound characteristics. The MX Silent Red's nylon top and bottom housings produce a duller and rounder sound overall, contributing to a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Black's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the switch's overall sound profile. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Black switch allows for a unique sound experience that may appeal to users looking for a sharper typing sound compared to the MX Silent Red's softer sound.
Although the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Black switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also share similarities in their use of nylon in their bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the sound absorption properties of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red may be preferred by those who enjoy typing for extended periods without feeling fatigued, such as for work or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Black may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cherry MX Silent Red being lighter and the Outemu Black being heavier.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black switch being closer to the average of 4.0 mm. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a more tactile feel may lean towards the Black switch with its slightly longer travel distance. In general, the difference between the two switches' travel distances is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Black comes in at $3.10 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 stands out for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter and more subtle typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Black switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, offering a bit of friction when pressed that some users may appreciate for a unique typing experience. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Black switch are not provided, making it challenging to contrast this aspect between the two switches.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a quieter sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you are considering the Outemu Black switch, it is important to try it out in person or gather more information on its sound and feel to determine if it aligns with your preferences. Remember that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the best mechanical keyboard switch for your setup, so experimenting with different options is key to finding the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and the level of noise tolerance you have. If you need a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive settings, the MX Silent Red would be a suitable choice with its silent operation and slightly heftier feel compared to the traditional MX Red switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams and do not mind the louder sound profile, the Outemu Black switch could be a good option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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