KTT Lightning vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Lightning and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Lightning is a linear switch that excels in providing a speedy typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and those who require quick response times. On the other hand, the Nixie is also a linear switch but is renowned for its classic feel, characterized by a substantial heft and textured typing experience. While the Lightning offers a clacky sound profile and polished feel, the Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and Cherry Nixie switches differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique sound qualities, the polycarbonate in the Lightning offers a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the duller sound of the nylon in the Nixie.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the KTT Lightning and Cherry Nixie switches use nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile due to its soft nature, which absorbs sound effectively. As a result, despite the switches being different models, the nylon bottom housing creates a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness for both the Lightning and Nixie switches. This consistency in material for the bottom housing ensures a unified sound quality between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the KTT Lightning and Cherry Nixie may have different top housing materials, with the Lightning using polycarbonate and the Nixie opting for nylon, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The differences in sound between the sharper and clearer profile of the polycarbonate in the Lightning and the deeper and fuller profile of the nylon in the Nixie provide users with variety in sound options, allowing them to choose based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning switch is lighter in both aspects. The Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Nixie switch has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Many users prefer lighter switches like the Lightning for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Nixie switch provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch is 3 mm, making it shallower compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Nixie switch offers a bit more depth in the key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness desired in a keyboard.
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 $4.19.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone with a bass-heavy feel. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning switch may be preferred for its crisp and bright sound, while the Nixie switch appeals to those who enjoy a richer and more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch offers a subtle and polished typing experience, with gentle resistance and a smooth finish for sleek key travel. The Cherry Nixie switch, on the other hand, is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their typing experience. While the Lightning switch offers a light and refined feel, the Nixie switch caters to those who enjoy a more tactile and textured typing sensation.
Overall, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Lightning switch is optimal for those seeking a fast and responsive typing experience with a clacky sound profile and polished feel, while the Nixie switch appeals to users who prefer a substantial and textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, both switches provide reliable performance and durability, ensuring that users will receive similar results in terms of quality and responsiveness regardless of their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value speed and responsiveness, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force and clacky sound profile may be the ideal choice for you, especially in competitive gaming scenarios where quick reactions are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional and substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force and a thocky sound profile, the Nixie switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific use case you have in mind.
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