Cherry MX Orange vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry Nixie each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange is revered for its seamless actuation and smooth linear feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a consistent keypress experience in both gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are known for their substantial heft and textured feedback, providing a more tactile and thocky typing experience that many users find satisfying. While the MX Orange focuses on a straightforward, uninterrupted keystroke, the Nixie brings a charming blend of tradition and modern innovation with its palpable texture and lower-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the streamlined linearity of the MX Orange or the immersive feedback of the Nixie. 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
55g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which means they share a fundamental quality in material composition. Nylon is well-known in the keyboard community for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic leads to a duller sound profile that is often preferred by users who prioritize a quieter typing experience. Since both switches feature nylon in their housing, the sound profiles generated during usage will be quite similar, providing a pleasing typing experience that many users may find satisfying.
However, while the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry Nixie share the same nylon material, their tactile feedback and overall performance may vary depending on other design elements and switch mechanics beyond the housing itself. The bottom housing will play a significant role in how the bottom-out sound and feel are perceived, while the top housing contributes more to the sound produced when releasing a key. If both switches were to have different designs or actuation mechanisms, this could introduce distinctions in the typing experience despite the similarity in housing materials. Hence, even with the same nylon composition, unique features of each switch can lead to differences in tactile sensation and sound.
In conclusion, the shared nylon construction of both the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry Nixie switches establishes a strong foundation for consistency in sound absorption and depth. However, factors like switch mechanics, actuation force, and potentially different design elements may influence the overall feel and sound profile experienced by the user. Therefore, while one can expect similar acoustic properties due to the nylon housing, the complete typing experience will differ based on the overall switch design and other functional attributes. Users looking for a specific tactile feedback or auditory quality should consider these variables even with the similarity in housing material.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a notably heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. The bottom out force for the MX Orange is not available, making a direct comparison somewhat difficult. In contrast, the Nixie switch provides a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a firmer resistance at the end of the key press. For users who prefer a lighter key feel, the Cherry MX Orange would be the more suitable option, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for lightness versus heft in key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a comparable tactile experience, making them suitable for users who prefer consistent keystrokes without varying travel distances. As a result, whether one chooses the MX Orange or the Nixie, the feel and responsiveness while typing or gaming will remain consistent, emphasizing the importance of individual preference rather than performance difference in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The Cherry MX Orange switch has a sound profile that remains less specified, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat open-ended compared to others in the market. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie offers a distinct auditory experience characterized as thocky, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, reminiscent of a soft knock or thud upon activation and release. This low-pitched sound adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone that many users find appealing. While the sound characteristics can be influenced by the specific board and keycaps used, the Nixie is likely to offer a noticeably more resonant and sonorous experience than the MX Orange.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches have yet to have their specific feel described, which leaves room for interpretation. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is characterized as textured, meaning it exhibits noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a unique typing sensation that some enthusiasts prefer, offering tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Users looking for a smoother, friction-free experience may find this quality of the Nixie to be more challenging, depending on their personal preferences.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Orange and Nixie switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics, the specifics of the MX Orange's sound and feel remain undefined, creating a lack of direct comparison. The Nixie's thocky auditory profile and textured feedback can appeal to users seeking rich acoustics and a pronounced tactile experience. If you lean towards a more textured and satisfying auditory output, the Cherry Nixie might be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a more neutral and undefined experience could find value in the MX Orange.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between Cherry MX Orange and Cherry Nixie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you're drawn to a switch that offers a balance of modern enhancements and a linear typing feel without significant resistance, the MX Orange may be the ideal choice for you, making your keystrokes feel seamless and light. However, if you favor a more substantial tactile experience with a satisfying sound profile, complemented by an audible thocky noise and a textured feel, then the Cherry Nixie would be more suited to your needs. The Nixie's heft and unique texture can lend a certain satisfaction to each keystroke, especially if you're someone who enjoys a pronounced feedback while typing. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you: the ease and smoothness of the MX Orange or the depth and texture of the Nixie, and let that guide your choice.
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