TTC Gold Silver vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, providing a sense of closure with each press. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Nixie offers a more tactile and traditional typing feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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 TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry Nixie, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of the switch being used, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Gold Silver featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Cherry Nixie utilizes nylon for the top. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to the deeper sound profile produced by nylon. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is advantageous for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon top housings offer a more classic and timeless feel to typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing the key. This means that while the Gold Silver and Cherry Nixie may have different top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience may not be dramatically different, as the bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel of pressing down on a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we find some notable differences. The TTC Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie's heavier 63.5 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown while the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that while the Nixie may provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, the Gold Silver may offer a lighter touch that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Nixie is considered more traditional, offering a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Gold Silver's 3.5 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Nixie. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can help users determine which switch best suits their preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry Nixie switches offer a thocky and low-pitched auditory experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The Gold Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile that is likely to appeal to a wide range of users, while the Nixie switch offers a slightly different typing tone due to its textured nature. However, the choice of board and keycaps can also significantly impact the sound produced by either switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gold Silver switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch is described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. On the other hand, the Nixie switch is noted for its textured nature, which may offer a different tactile experience for users who prefer a bit of friction when pressing keys.
Overall, while both switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Gold Silver switch emphasizes rapid responsiveness, precision, and smoothness in keystrokes, while the Nixie switch combines tradition with modern innovation by incorporating updated materials and springs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider the specific characteristics that align with your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch known for its substantial heft, textured typing experience, and a heavier bottom-out force, the Cherry Nixie could be the ideal choice. Whether you prioritize speed and fluidity or traditional typing feel with modern updates, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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