KTT Cream Yellow vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for discussion are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry Nixie. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is also a linear switch but is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, providing a low-pitched thocky sound that is preferred by many. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal to different 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
58g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry Nixie, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. However, the Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Nixie features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper sound but in a rounder and duller fashion compared to the Cream Yellow.
Both the Cream Yellow and the Nixie showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch. While the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound, the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, both switches benefit from having nylon bottom housings, as this material absorbs more sound and contributes to a more rounded sound profile. Despite these differences, the choice of housing materials in both switches ultimately affects the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Cream Yellow and the Nixie highlights the importance of considering the impact of each component on the final sound profile of a switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Cream Yellow creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon top housing in the Nixie results in a rounder sound experience. Conversely, both switches benefit from the use of nylon for their bottom housings, which enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. By understanding how housing materials influence sound profiles, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch are different in weight. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavy-weight option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may opt for the Cream Yellow, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Nixie. In both cases, users can expect to get different results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cream Yellow providing a lighter feel and the Nixie offering a heavier experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Cherry Nixie due to its slightly longer travel distance. In general, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable to all users, and both can provide similar results depending on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a lively feel during typing. In comparison, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to users looking for a different typing experience.
Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Cherry Nixie switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches are highly regarded within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow or the thocky sound and textured feel of the Cherry Nixie, both switches provide unique experiences that can enhance your typing comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, but rest assured that both options will deliver high-quality performance and durability for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom-out force linear switch that offers a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, then the KTT Cream Yellow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom-out force linear switch that provides a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and Nixie switches will come down to your specific preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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