HMX Game1989 vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming experience, the HMX 1989 and Cherry Nixie line of switches both present compelling options, each with its own distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its thocky and deep feel, offers a satisfying, muted sound profile that resonates with gamers and typists seeking a more tactile and immersive experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are revered classics, notable for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, bringing together traditional craftsmanship with the modern enhancements of the recent MX2A update. While the HMX 1989 emphasizes a deeper auditory feedback, the Cherry Nixie embraces a textured touch that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. Both switches promise a high-quality performance, making them excellent choices depending on your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and Cherry Nixie exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, particularly concerning their top housings. The 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clearer resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially in the context of RGB lighting where the translucence of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience, the HMX 1989 leans toward a more vibrant sound, while the Nixie opts for richness and depth.
When considering the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and the Cherry Nixie use nylon, which maintains consistency in the sound characteristics for the lower portion of their switches. This commonality means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile upon bottoming out. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted auditory feedback when the key is pressed down, ensuring that the tactile experience is reinforced by its softer material. This similarity allows both switches to provide an intimate and resonant feel, despite the contrasting soundscapes created by their respective top housings.
In summary, the primary distinction between the HMX 1989 and the Cherry Nixie lies in the materials used for their top housings, which shape their individual auditory profiles. Users of the HMX 1989 can expect crisper and brighter feedback from the polycarbonate top, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting integration. Meanwhile, the Cherry Nixie’s nylon top offers a sound that is rich and warm, appealing to those who favor a more subdued typing experience. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that while the sound on the way down is consistent, the experience diverges significantly when keys are released, each reflecting the unique properties of their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, perfect for long periods of use or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some typists and gamers may favor. The bottom out force of the HMX 1989 is 53 grams, which is also lighter than the Nixie's 80 grams. Therefore, for those who appreciate a lighter touch for longer sessions, the HMX 1989 is the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feel may find the Cherry Nixie more to their liking.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a consistent key press depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance allows for comparable tactile feedback and typing experience, ensuring that typists and gamers alike can enjoy a uniform feel. As a result, switching between the two may not significantly alter one's typing or gaming experience, as both switches offer equal travel depth. Since they are identical in this aspect, one can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep and thocky acoustics, making it ideal for users who appreciate a rich auditory experience when typing. This switch produces a satisfyingly deep tone that adds a touch of resonance to each keypress, creating a sound signature that is both pleasurable and immersive. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch also shares a thocky sound quality, characterized by its low-pitched, bass-heavy tones that evoke a soft "thud" or gentle "knock" when pressed. The low-pitched sound not only provides aural satisfaction but also contributes to the keyboard's overall immersive typing experience. Both switches cater to users looking for that deeper sound, although specific sound experience will ultimately depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch excels in delivering a smooth keypress experience, providing a seamless transition from actuation to bottom out. The design emphasizes fluidity, allowing for a comfortable and unhindered typing experience that is often preferred by gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is noted for its textured feel, which introduces a noticeable friction during key presses. Some users find this texture beneficial for tactile feedback, while others may prefer the smoothness of the HMX 1989. Ultimately, the feel is subjective and depends on personal preferences, setting the HMX 1989 as more suited for those who favor a slick keypress while the Nixie appeals to users who appreciate some level of texture in their typing.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The 1989 switch’s deep thocky sound coupled with its almost frictionless smoothness caters to users seeking an understated yet refined gaming and typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie's thocky, low-pitched acoustics paired with a textured tactile feel may attract those who enjoy a more engaged and pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound depth or tactile texture in your keyboard experience, but both offer satisfying options for enthusiasts looking for quality linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the HMX 1989 linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should think about your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more thocky typing experience, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, would be an excellent choice. It's designed for a satisfying feel that can make your typing efforts feel smooth and enjoyable, especially if you enjoy gaming or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial and textured experience, the Cherry Nixie would likely suit you better with its heavier 80 grams of force. The Nixie's robust feedback and rich, low-pitched thock provide a classic feel that many long-time keyboard enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value a lighter, thocky experience or a heavier, more textured typing sensation; by aligning your choice with these characteristics, you can enhance your typing experience to match your needs perfectly.
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