The Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) and HMX Taro switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 45 g actuation, however, they come with different top housing (Nylon vs PC), bottom housing (Nylon vs PA66), spring (stainless steel vs 22 mm), pre-travel (1.90 mm vs 2 mm), total travel (3.70 mm vs 3.80 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a stainless steel spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 1.90mm. Bottom-out is at 3.70mm. No factory lubing. Manufactured by Cherry. | The HMX Taro is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Light diffuser, double-shot stem. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) | HMX Taro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | PA66 |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | stainless steel | 22 mm |
| Actuation | 45 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | - g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.90 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | No factory lubing. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | Cherry | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) is available at a single shop at the moment, while the HMX Taro can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) and HMX Taro switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on Cherry MX Silent Red (PCB mount) switches | Comments on HMX Taro switches |
There are both PCB and plate mount versions of MX Silent Reds, this entry is specifically about the PCB-mount variant. | The Taro silent linear switch is the newest MX style silent linear switch made by HMX. Different from previous HMX silent switches, the Taro switches utilise a double-shot stem, for a better silencing mechanism – SerpentKeys. |
