Gateron Silent Red
Linear SilentThe budget silent linear: 45 g with dampening pads on both the downstroke and upstroke. A cost-effective way to make a keyboard housemate-proof.
Sound & feel
Gateron Silent Red fits elastomer dampers to the stem so both of a keystroke's loud moments (the bottom-out clack and the upstroke slap) land on rubber instead of plastic. What escapes is a soft patter that won't cross a room. Gateron's KS-9 silent table rates it 45 gf operating and 50 gf at the bottom, against 60 and 70 gf for the Silent Black built on the same platform.
The usual silent-switch trade applies: the cushioned landing feels slightly softer and shorter than a crisp linear, which some typists read as mushy. Gateron's tuning keeps it acceptable, and partial factory lube covers the worst of the scratch dampers can emphasize.
Against Cherry's Silent Red it competes almost purely on price, making it the default choice for budget quiet builds, home offices, and shared bedrooms.
Sound on this page is synthesized from the switch's published specs and community-documented character: an honest simulation, not a recording. We're progressively replacing simulations with our own studio recordings. How our sounds are made
Compare it
- Gateron Silent Red vs Cherry MX Silent Red MX2A , or jump to Cherry MX Silent Red MX2A
- Gateron Silent Red vs Outemu Silent Peach V2 , or jump to Outemu Silent Peach V2
- Gateron Silent Red vs Gateron Silent Black , or jump to Gateron Silent Black
- Gateron Silent Red vs Durock (JWK) Silent Alpaca , or jump to Durock (JWK) Silent Alpaca
Frequently asked questions
What does the Gateron Silent Red sound like?
soft dampened patter, both strokes cushioned. Use the player on this page to hear simulated press and release sounds derived from its real specifications, and as a silent switch it is one of the quieter options you can buy.
Is the Gateron Silent Red good for gaming or typing?
As a linear switch with 45g actuation force and 2mm pre-travel, it suits fast, repeated presses, which is why linears are a common gaming pick. It types perfectly well too if you like a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke.
How heavy is the Gateron Silent Red?
45g actuation, 50g bottom-out. Note that Gateron officially rates actuation force. Brands differ, so check the basis when comparing switches.