Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Green. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heavier touch than the traditional MX Red, but distinguishes itself by operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback and audible click with every key press. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but choosing between them ultimately depends 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Green switches, one significant difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch features a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing of the Green switch offers a more clear and resonant sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing material, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Green switches utilize nylon. This commonality suggests that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of the switches contributes to the overall sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on the keys. Despite the different top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing of the switches indicate that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
It is vital to consider that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can significantly influence the sound profile and feel of the switch. Therefore, whether using the Cherry MX Silent Red with its nylon top housing or the Outemu Green with its polycarbonate top housing, users can expect varying sound profiles and typing experiences based on the materials chosen for each component of the switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch provides insight into their differences. The MX Silent Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Green switch, which requires 65 grams of force. However, the bottom out force for the Green switch is 80 grams, indicating a heavier press compared to the Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Silent Red, while users seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Green switch with its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with the Outemu Green clicky switch, we find that the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Green being more on the standard side and the Silent Red being slightly shorter. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the more pronounced depth of the Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Outemu Green 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 offers a muted and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched tone, making it ideal for quiet environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red's reputation for producing a softer and quieter noise suggests that it may offer a more subdued typing experience overall.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its textured feel, providing a slightly tactile feedback that some users may prefer. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch's feel is unknown, so it's uncertain how it would compare in terms of tactility and feedback. However, if you enjoy a bit of friction when typing, the textured feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red switch could be a satisfying option.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a more subdued and tactile mechanical keyboard switch. While the qualities of the Outemu Green clicky switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, it's important to consider your personal preference for noise level and tactile feedback when choosing between the two. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, but if you prioritize a quieter sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the optimal choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Outemu Green clicky switch, the decision ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a slightly heftier feel compared to traditional MX Red switches, then the MX Silent Red is the way to go. This switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments where you want to minimize keyboard noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and prefer a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Green switch might be more suitable for you. Its distinctive click sound and tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the audible confirmation of key presses. Ultimately, understanding the key differences in sound and feel between these two switches will help you make an informed decision based on your specific preferences.
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