Gateron Zero vs Kailh Midnight Silent Red
The Gateron Zero and the Kailh Midnight Silent Red are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Gateron Zero is linear and the Kailh Midnight Silent Red is silent linear; the Kailh Midnight Silent Red is lighter to actuate (40g versus 45g); travel is 3.6 mm on the Gateron Zero and 3.7 mm on the Kailh Midnight Silent Red.
Choose the Gateron Zero if
- you want a switch popular for ultra-budget builds.
- you want a switch popular for first builds.
- you prefer a linear feel.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (45g).
Choose the Kailh Midnight Silent Red if
- you want a switch popular for quiet offices.
- you want a switch popular for night-time typing.
- you prefer a silent linear feel.
- you want a lighter keystroke (40g).
Gateron Zero vs Kailh Midnight Silent Red, spec by spec
| Gateron Zero | Kailh Midnight Silent Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Silent linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 45g | 40g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a | n/a |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.9 mm |
| Total travel | 3.6 mm | 3.7 mm |
| Stem | POM | POM with dampeners |
| Top housing | transparent blue PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | light blue nylon | nylon |
| Spring | n/a | single-stage |
| Factory lube | light | light |
| Pins | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Price / switch | n/a | n/a |
| Sound profile | soft, muted | hushed, soft |
| Released | 2024 | n/a |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
22% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron Zero; 7% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Kailh Midnight Silent Red.
34% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron Zero; 46% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Kailh Midnight Silent Red.
Where to buy the Gateron Zero
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Kailh Midnight Silent Red
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
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