KTT Laurel vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and Cherry Nixie are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The KTT Laurel is praised for its medium-light weight, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It also provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update for a blend of tradition and modern innovation. While both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, the Cherry Nixie stands out with its textured and thocky typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Cherry Nixie are different in terms of the materials used, with the Laurel utilizing POM for both the top and bottom housing while the Nixie features nylon for both components. POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a distinct sound profile.
With the top and bottom housings being of different materials in the Laurel and Nixie switches, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division allows for a more well-rounded typing experience, providing a different sensation depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. Both switches aim to create a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials and sound profiles.
While the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Cherry Nixie differ, both switches strive to create an enjoyable typing experience through the unique qualities of their respective materials. Whether it's the POM housing of the Laurel providing a deeper and muted sound profile or the nylon housing of the Nixie offering a fuller and rounder sound, both switches aim to cater to users who appreciate a distinct typing feel and sound. Despite their differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, with the choice between POM and nylon housing ultimately coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in weight between the two. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Laurel, while those who prefer a heavier push may favor the Nixie. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for different users.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Laurel's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Nixie's slightly longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Laurel being on the shorter side and the Nixie being closer to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the type of feel and responsiveness desired in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a thocky sound, producing a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Laurel to offer a more relaxed auditory experience, while the Nixie may provide a more pronounced and impactful sound when typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Laurel linear switch is praised for its snappy feel, offering a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is attributed to the switch's longer pole design and full POM housing, making each keystroke feel alive and dynamic. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured feel, which introduces a noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may appreciate this added texture for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Laurel provides a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, the Nixie delivers a thocky sound and a textured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. However, it's important to note that both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a light bottom out force and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a substantial heft and a thocky sound profile, along with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prefer a snappy and responsive feel or a textured typing experience, along with the sound profile you enjoy, when making your decision between these two outstanding switches. Ultimately, both the KTT Laurel and Cherry Nixie switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and needs.
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