Gateron Melodic vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry Nixie. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the category with advanced features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. The Gateron Melodic is praised for being 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', while the Cherry Nixie is described as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Depending on your preference for clicky feedback or a smooth linear typing experience, either switch could be the right choice for you. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry Nixie, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Melodic boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Nixie features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. While the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a more classic feel with its mellow sound.
On the other hand, both the Melodic and the Nixie share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a rounder sound quality. Although the nylon bottom housing may differ in appearance between the two switches, its impact on the overall sound and feel of typing remains relatively similar. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and typing experience when using either the Melodic or the Nixie, despite the variation in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry Nixie ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. Those who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound may appreciate the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound experience may lean towards the Nixie's nylon top housing. However, both switches offer a consistent typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing material, providing a reliable option for users looking for quality switches with unique sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Melodic is lighter in both aspects. The Melodic requires no actuation force, making it effortless to trigger keystrokes, while its bottom out force is a moderate 60 grams. On the other hand, the Nixie has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams, providing a slightly more substantial push feel when typing. Additionally, the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more robust typing experience compared to the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter typing experience for longer durations or a heavier, more solid feel while typing.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either key, as they will both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no shorter or longer option between these two switches, as they offer the same amount of travel for users. Overall, whether you choose the Melodic or the Nixie, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone, reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles tailored to different preferences, with the Melodic focusing on a classic clicky sound, while the Nixie delivers a more traditional and substantial typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and effortless typing sensation, along with pronounced feedback and reactive feel for an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which can appeal to users looking for a tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing styles and preferences, with the Melodic focusing on smoothness and feedback, while the Nixie emphasizes texture and friction.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the Nixie delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and innovative features that enhance the typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike, ensuring a rewarding and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a textured typing experience, then the Cherry Nixie linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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