Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The Cherry Nixies are revered classics within the keyboard community, known for their substantial heft and textured typing experience. Incorporating the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, these switches blend tradition with modern innovation. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches offer a tactile typing experience without the audible click of other tactile switches, providing a quieter alternative for those who prefer a more subtle feedback. While the Nixie is best suited for those who enjoy a 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched' typing experience, the Brown switches are a versatile option that may appeal to a wider range of users. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Brown both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing contrasts with the Brown's polycarbonate top housing. While nylon absorbs more sound, creating a softer sound profile, polycarbonate is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Brown's top housing offers a clear and transparent look that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing experience when using the switches in conjunction with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon top housing provides a more traditional and subdued appearance that may appeal to those who prefer a simpler aesthetic. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired visual outcome for the keyboard setup.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This balancing act between the two housing materials contributes to the unique sound profiles of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Brown switches, providing users with a varied typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Brown switch has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the Nixie switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier force required, while the Brown switch would be lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. The 4 mm travel distance of both switches provides a satisfying level of keypress depth without being excessively long or short. Overall, whether you choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its textured typing experience, offering a noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can be preferred by some users for a unique typing sensation. However, the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is not specified.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry Nixie linear switch stands out for its distinctive thocky sound and textured typing experience, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch leaves some qualities unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a deep and satisfying sound paired with a textured feel, the Cherry Nixie may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with qualities yet to be determined, trying out the Outemu Brown switch could also yield similar results. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a substantial heft and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Nixie's heavy bottom out force of 80 grams, along with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, make it ideal for those who prefer a satisfyingly tactile response. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-heavy switch with a smoother typing experience and a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for heavier or lighter switches, as well as whether you value a textured typing feel or a smoother one. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
