Durock Medium Tactile vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry Nixie. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving users a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. If you are looking for a switch with a gentle bump and smooth keystrokes, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a heavier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry Nixie could be the better option. 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
N/A
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry Nixie, we can see that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb sound. However, the Durock Medium Tactile's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features a nylon top housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, the top housing material will result in distinct sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for those who want to use RGB lighting. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch, especially for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal for users looking for RGB customization. However, the nylon material is a classic choice for switch housing and may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry Nixie will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing, the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Medium Tactile will provide a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing. Additionally, the option for RGB lighting with the Durock Medium Tactile may be a deciding factor for those who value customization in their keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and Cherry Nixie switches show significant differences in weight. The Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Nixie has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making the Nixie the heavier option. The actuation force of the Nixie is 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the bottom out force, whereas the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is not specified. In terms of preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Medium Tactile for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent and equal distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel distance. Therefore, whether one chooses the Durock Medium Tactile or the Cherry Nixie switch, they can expect to receive comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as "thocky" and low-pitched, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This switch offers a gentle and refined typing experience suitable for various typing styles. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can appeal to users who prefer a more tactile sensation while typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience for users. While the Medium Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile feel, the Nixie linear switch offers a thocky sound and a textured typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Both switches are high-quality options with their own distinct characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry Nixie switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with substantial heft, a thocky sound profile, and a heavy bottom out force, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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