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The Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Silver are the primary key switches specifically designed and developed for the gaming enthusiasts who are looking for the best linear mechanical switches.
But, how do Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Silver fare against one another?
What is the difference between Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Silver?
The major difference between Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Silver lies in the distance traveled by the key before registering the keypress. The Cherry MX comes with an actuation point of 2 mm, while the Cherry MX silver comes with an actuation point of 1.2 mm. The travel distance of Cherry MX Red is 4 mm and that for Cherry MX Silver is 3.4 mm. That would mean Cherry MX Silver is much faster key switch.
| Features | CHERRY MX RED | CHERRY MX SPEED |
| Switch Type | Linear | Linear |
| Actuation Force | 45cN | 45cN |
| Actuation Travel | 2.0mm | 1.2mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm | 3.4mm |
| Sound | Quiet | Quiet |
Cherry MX Silver
Cherry MX Silver, also referred to as Cherry MX Speed, is a linear switch and is one of the latest entrants among the Cherry MX range of switches. The Cherry MX Silver switch comes with an actuation point of 1.2 mm. Even the travel distance of the Chery MX Silver switch is considerably lower at 3.4 mm.
This would make it register multiple keypresses in a considerably lower time and you can type quite faster. Since the speed of the Cherry MX switches makes it one of the excellent options, it has also been named as Cherry MX Speed switches.
The major characteristics of the Cherry MX Silver include:
- Linear switching type
- 45 cN operating force
- 1.2 mm pre-travel
- 3.4 mm of total travel
- Lesser clicking sound
A high level of precision and a lower response time are the two prime features that would make it one of the excellent options. The Silver switches are a great option for playing the games such as Counter-Strike Global Offensive, PUBG, and Call of Duty. You can be assured of a faster reaction time and accuracy.
Cherry MX Red
Cherry MX red is the first switch from the Cherry MX family designed for the gamers. They come with an actuation point of 2 mm and a travel distance of 4 mm. The best part of these switches is that the keypress is registered even when the switch is pressed halfway. The Red switches are silent and do require a very low force to make them work.
The upper housing of the Cherry MX switches comes with the CAD high precision components and offer a tolerance of less than 0.1 mm. The linear feel with the minimal spring force is what would make it one of the most reliable options for effective gaming.
The major characteristics of the Cherry MX Red sum up as:
- Liner Switching type
- 45 cN operating force
- 2.0 mm pre-travel
- 4.0 mm of total travel
- Lesser sound
They do not produce any tactile performance and are specifically designed to provide you access to a linear experience. The smoothness can be one of the excellent options that make it best suited for the games.
Cherry MX Red vs Cherry MX Silver – How Do They Differ From One Another?
Choosing the best in the Cherry MX Speed vs Cherry MX Red switches comparison may not be easy as they do have a very subtle difference between them. We will compare them based on a few key parameters.
The Feel
The first parameter in the discussion of the Cherry MX Silver vs Red is the feel you get with the Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Silver switches. Both Red and Silver come with the same actuation type, same springs, and the same kind of housing. That would mean both the switches provide you a similar feel.
You can expect a smoother feel and no tactile bump of any nature. Linear switches have been a great option for both gaming and typing. Except for the amount of travel, you would find both Red and Silver provide you with a similar experience. If you are a typist, you will find that extra travel time can be a perfect option.
Winner: That would ideally depend on the personal preferences. They are almost similar.
Sound
Once again, both Silver and Red switches are tied when you look at the sound produced by the key switches in a Cherry MX Silver vs Red. The fact that they have the same actuation type, springs, and housing material makes them much identical in terms of the sound performance.
The two switches are quite quiet. Linear key switches are always considered to be the quietest and that is exactly what makes it one of the best options. In case you are working in an office, the low sound should make the key switches a great option.
Winner: Both are the Same and Tied
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the Cherry MX Silver takes the lead over Cherry MX Red. You will get access to a favorite activation. The switches can prove to be a great option when it comes to the best in-game advantage. Since these games require a very high degree of accuracy, the Cherry MX Silver switches should make them a great choice ever.
In essence, both Reds and Silver switches are designed for gaming, but Silver switches offer you a more enhanced efficiency.
Winner: Cherry MX Silver
Typing
A comfortable typing is one of the key parameters that can define the Red vs Silver switches and set them apart. This is the area that Cherry MX Red takes a lead over the Cherry MX Silver switches. The short actuation of the Silver switches makes the bottoming out rather easier.
But Cherry MX Reds provide you access to longer keystroke which can prove to be a great option as you get a good degree of cushion effect for your fingers. This would ideally make them a great option to help you in an efficient and smoother typing. The Cherry MX Silver switches need you to get used to the typing.
Winner: Cherry MX Red
Conclusion
The right choice of the keyboard will be dependent on the preferences you may have and that holds true in the case of Cherry MX Red vs Silver comparison as well. Choose the keyboard based on what your preferences are and what is using the keyboard for. In the case of the best gaming, you will find Cherry MX Reds a better option for typing and Cherry MX Silver a great option for gaming.
The major difference between the two key switches lies in the fact that they have a different actuation point and travel distance. There is not much difference between the two when it comes to sound and overall feel.
