If you're as tech-obsessed as I am, then you've probably already heard of CHERRY, the specialists for computer input devices. They make some of the best mechanical keyboards on the market, and I'm so excited about working with them to share my opinions of their new MX Board Silent.
First of all, I'm going to be honest - I've never used a mechanical keyboard before. That's not to say I haven't wanted one for years, it just never seemed to be in the budget. But now that I'm using one, writing this review for you guys, I can't imagine going back to my old membrane keyboard.
As a writer, typing speed is important because if my fingers cant get my thoughts out fast enough then what's the point, right? I decided to put the MX Board Silent to the test on TypingTest.com to see how it stood up to my old keyboard. It seems like I can type much faster since the keys are much more responsive and don't have to be fully depressed and released in order to show up on the screen, but I wanted to know just how much faster.
Results? With the CHERRY MX Board Silent, I typed 67 WPM with 2 errors. My stock Lenovo keyboard was 54 with the same amount of errors. I'm not winning any typing competitions, but my speed has definitely improved.
The only thing I would change about this keyboard is the lack of multimedia buttons. I sit in front of my computer all day, so being able to turn the volume up or down via my keyboard really is one of the things I look for. Is it a deal-breaker? No, but maybe something for them to consider for future models.
I'm in love with the sleek, classic look of this keyboard. It's a style that gamers and professionals alike will love, and one that you would be proud to have sitting on your desk.
Is it completely silent? No, not for a touch typist who is used to having to press keys much harder. But there isn't that tell-tale "click" of a computer keyboard, and compared to other mechanical keyboards I've scoped out in the past, it's definitely much quieter. Based on their ever-popular G80-3000 mechanical keyboard, CHERRY was able to enable silent keystrokes with their patented noise reduction technology without giving up on its uncompromising writing performance in their new MX Silent Keyboard.
From their press release:
The MX Silent-switches have a uniquely shaped rubber pad compared to conventional switches. The integrated 2-component stem reduces audible clicks at the bottom-out and top-out to a minimum. Instead of relying on third-party products, CHERRY relies on a self-developed, innovative solution that preserves the special properties of each individual switch. As with every other MX switch, these features include a sturdy housing made of plastic polymer, a precise spiral spring, and the unique Gold Crosspoint contact technology. This exclusive production process guarantees a precise release and a service life of over 50 million keystrokes.
Offered in two versions, the MX Red Silent or the MX Black Silent, both exhibit linear switching characteristics but differ in the required release force: 45 centinewtons for the MX Red Silent and for those who prefer a slightly higher resistance, 60 centinewtons for the MX Black Silent. Like all MX switches, the bounce is less than a millisecond, allowing for precise and instantaneous input.
Available in either gray or black, the MX Silent Keyboard has a MSRP of $149.
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