Cherry MX Brown vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Cherry Nixie offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The Cherry MX Brown is characterized by its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own strengths and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The Cherry MX Brown and Cherry Nixie switches both use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing, resulting in similar sound profiles that are deep and full. Due to nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics, both switches absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder overall sound. This similarity indicates that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the sound produced by both switches.
Although both the MX Brown and Nixie switches use nylon for their housing, the slight differences in material composition may still affect the typing experience. The distribution of qualities between the bottom and top housing of a switch can impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. As such, while the overall sound profile may be similar due to the use of nylon, there could be subtle nuances in the typing feel between the two switches, depending on how the housing materials are utilized.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry Nixie switches share the use of nylon as the material for their housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound production. The slight differences in material composition and distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing may lead to nuanced variations in the typing feel between the two switches. Despite these potential differences, both switches offer a deep, full sound profile characteristic of nylon housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch showcase a noticeable difference in weight. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie features a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial and firm typing feel. The MX Brown is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Nixie is better suited for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, which is also the same as the Cherry Nixie linear switch. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting, both switches offer a similar level of tactile feedback and actuation force, as well as the same travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Cherry Nixie switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feel and performance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched tones, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are prized for their thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches share a low-pitched characteristic, but the Nixie offers a more distinct and pronounced sound experience with its thocky quality.
Moving on to the feel, both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry Nixie switches are described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this texture for added tactile feedback, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. The textured nature of these switches adds to the overall typing experience, allowing users to feel each keypress more distinctly.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and gentle typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Cherry Nixie switches provide a more substantial and textured typing experience with a thocky sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you opt for the Cherry MX Brown or Cherry Nixie switches, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and gentle audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with heavier bottom out force and a deeper, satisfying sound profile, the Nixie might be the switch for you. Both switches offer a textured feel, so that aspect is consistent between the two. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile when making your decision between these two popular switches.
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