Kailh Box White vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Box White is a clicky switch, perfect for those who enjoy maximum audio feedback and a satisfying tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch, known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. While the Box White provides a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and high-pitched sound, the Nixie offers a low-pitched "thocky" feel. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Cherry Nixie switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Nixie has a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While polycarbonate is stiffer and enhances resonance, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder sound experience. Despite their differences, both materials play a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box White and Nixie switches use nylon for this component. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys. While the top housing may affect the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the Kailh Box White switch, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. This split design allows for a more complex and nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch maintains consistency in housing material throughout, resulting in a more uniform typing experience. Whether using switches with varying housing materials or the same material throughout, both the Box White and Nixie offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch differ significantly in weight. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. The Box White offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those looking for a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a stronger push feel, suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages based on personal preference, with the Box White offering a lighter touch and the Nixie providing a heavier, more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Nixie's 4 mm. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Box White with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Nixie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight variance between the two can cater to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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 $4.15.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is renowned for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and mellow. When it comes to feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by a textured feel, providing users with noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and polished feel, like the Box White, or a linear switch with a thocky sound and textured feel, like the Nixie. However, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value maximum auditory feedback and a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a substantial heft and a deep, thocky sound, the Nixie switch might be more suited to your taste. Additionally, if you prefer a polished and smooth typing experience, the Box White may be more appealing, while if you prefer a textured and slightly scratchy feel, the Nixie could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that best align with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
