Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Orange. The Cherry Nixie is beloved for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the KTT Orange boasts a bouncy typing feel due to its 22mm long spring and features a slick, frictionless typing experience with its unique materials and excellent factory-lubing. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, but the Cherry Nixie is known for its thocky feel while the KTT Orange provides a more bouncy and fluid key travel. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the KTT Orange differ significantly in their housing materials. The Nixie features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Nixie's nylon housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Orange's polycarbonate housing provides a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic difference is also apparent, with the Nixie offering a classic look and the Orange showcasing a translucent design that is ideal for RGB lighting.
Despite their differences, the Cherry Nixie and KTT Orange share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize a combination of nylon and polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, respectively. The nylon housing in the Nixie elicits a similar deep and full sound profile as the polycarbonate housing in the Orange, albeit with subtle differences in sound quality. Additionally, both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their respective housing materials, with the Nixie offering a softer typing experience and the Orange providing a crisper typing feel.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the Cherry Nixie and KTT Orange showcase distinct characteristics. The split between the bottom and top housings of a switch allows for different attributes to shine through depending on the part being pressed. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This split design ensures that each part of the housing material contributes uniquely to the overall sound and typing experience of the switch.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Orange linear switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange switch has lighter requirements, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Orange switch a better option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Nixie providing a heavier feel and the Orange offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Orange. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Orange for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 $4.15.
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 Cherry Nixie switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with a bass-heavy quality. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch also features a low-pitched sound, providing a mellow tone that complements the smooth typing experience it offers. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, with the Nixie having a deeper tone while the Orange has a more subdued sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch stands out for its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. This unique feel can be preferred by some users who enjoy a tactile response while typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, featuring a spring-like feedback and a fluid key travel that minimizes any resistance. The bouncy nature of the Orange switch adds a lively feel to the typing experience, giving users a sense of rebound with each key press.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Orange switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Nixie switch provides a textured typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound, the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless feel with a mellow tone. Depending on whether you prioritize texture or smoothness in typing feel, or prefer a deeper or more subdued sound profile, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches ensure a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and a textured typing experience, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, then the KTT Orange switch would be more suitable. Additionally, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are seeking.
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