Cherry MX Red vs Outemu Red

Which Keyboard Switch Is Better?

Products

Cherry MX Red
Outemu Red

Tested using Methodology v1.0.1

Updated Sep 29, 2025 05:47 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0.1

Updated Sep 29, 2025 07:47 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Our Verdict

Cherry MX Red

Outemu Red

Cherry MX Red and Outemu Red are both linear switches with short pre-travel and a smooth actuation feel throughout the entire keystroke. Both are well-suited for typing or gaming, but the Cherry switches are generally more durable and consistent in switch-to-switch performance. That said, the Outemu Red switches have a clear housing, making them a good pick if you'd like to prioritize RGB lighting.

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Variants

  • MX Red (10 Pcs)
  • MX Red (120 Pcs)
  • MX Red (65 Pcs)
  • MX Red (90 Pcs)
  • Red (35 Pcs)

Check Price

10 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
120 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
65 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
35 Pcs
Red
B&H
90 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
35 Pcs
Red
BestBuy.com
Design

Compatibility 
 

9.0
9.0

Housing Picture  

Cherry MX PCB Pinout 
 

Yes
Yes

Pin Count 
 

3
3

Keycap Mount 
 

MX Style
MX Style

Illumination 
 

5.0
9.5

Upper Housing Color 
 

Black
Clear

Upper Housing Finish 
 

Opaque
Clear
Performance

Keystrokes 
 

Actuation Graph  

See details
See details

Feel 
 

Linear
Linear

Initial Force 
 

37gf
31gf

Peak Tactile Force 
 

N/A
N/A

Actuation Force 
 

50gf
44gf

Bottom-Out Force 
 

63gf
62gf

Actuation Distance (Pre-Travel) 
 

2.3 mm
1.9 mm

Bottom-Out Distance 
 

4.0 mm
3.9 mm

Factory Smoothness 
 

7.2
7.5

Smoothness Sample  

Keystroke Data Used For Smoothness   

See details
See details

Scratchy Factor 
 

16.4
15.5

Mid Actuation Peak Noise 
 

-63.8 dB
-67.3 dB

Mid Actuation Peak Frequency 
 

1,027 Hz
1,060 Hz

Latency 
 

7.2
7.9

Raw Data  

See details
See details

Press Average 
 

2.0 ms
1.4 ms

Press Std Dev 
 

±0.35 ms
±0.29 ms

Release Average 
 

6.3 ms
7.1 ms

Release Std Dev 
 

±0.68 ms
±0.34 ms

Check Price

10 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
120 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
65 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
35 Pcs
Red
B&H
90 Pcs
MX Red
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
35 Pcs
Red
BestBuy.com

Cherry MX Red

Outemu Red

Comments

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Cherry MX Red vs Outemu Red: Main Discussion

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