Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the MX Red, but with the added benefit of operating silently. This makes it perfect for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that is best known for None and falls under the category of clicky switches. The Spring Breeze provides a tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy the traditional mechanical keyboard typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This commonality in housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches may differ is in how the qualities of the nylon housing are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the MX Silent Red or Spring Breeze, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing of the switch plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this distribution can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for typing sound and feel.
In essence, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze both feature nylon housing materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the way these qualities are distributed between the top and bottom housing may impact the overall typing experience. Users looking for a switch with a particular bottom-out sound and feel may prefer one over the other based on the distribution of nylon housing qualities. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar performance in terms of sound due to the shared nylon housing material.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Spring Breeze is heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust typing feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, even though we don't have information on its bottom out force. In general, a lighter switch like the Spring Breeze may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier switch like the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variance in travel distance. The Cherry MX Silent Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Spring Breeze could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Spring Breeze 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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the MX Silent Red is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Spring Breeze switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information available, it is safe to say that the MX Silent Red will offer a significantly quieter typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze clicky switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a different tactile experience compared to smoother switches. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is unknown, making it hard to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between switches with different tactile characteristics to ensure a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a textured feel, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a quieter switch option with some tactile feedback. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch are unknown, it is likely that users will experience a different sound profile and feel compared to the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you work or live in a noise-sensitive area and prefer a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red would be the better choice for you. With its silent operation and slightly heavier feel, it provides a satisfying typing experience without the loud clacking noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible feedback and distinct clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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