Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, with the Outemu Dustproof Green, a clicky 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 Dustproof Green switches are favored for their clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Nixie is characterized as textured, thocky, low-pitched, the Dustproof Green does not have any specific categories associated with it. Overall, choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Dustproof Green, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic of nylon, which helps absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The similarities in their bottom housing material suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Green offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The differences in their top housing materials highlight how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound and overall typing experience of a switch.
Overall, the contrast between the nylon top housing of the Cherry Nixie and the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Green showcases how different housing materials can influence the sound profile of a switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the variation in their top housing materials leads to distinct differences in sound quality and typing experience. Users looking for a switch with a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Cherry Nixie, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound profile may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Green. Ultimately, understanding the role of housing materials can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch both have a bottom out force of 80 grams, making them equal in terms of heaviness. However, the Nixie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 65 grams. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates how heavy the keystroke feels when fully pressed. Some may prefer the Nixie for its lighter actuation force, allowing for smoother and quicker typing, while others might lean towards the Dustproof Green for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight consideration in choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key travel with both switches. This makes them a good choice for those who prefer a consistent and standard keypress feel.
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 Dustproof Green 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 sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to compare in terms of auditory feedback. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a textured typing experience, providing users with noticeable friction when pressed. This tactile feedback can be preferred by some users for its unique feel. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's feel is currently unknown, making it challenging to draw parallels in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch stands out for its reputable blend of tradition and innovation, known for its substantial heft, textured typing experience, thocky sound, and textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks available information regarding its sound qualities and tactile feedback, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. For users seeking a similar typing experience to the Cherry Nixie, the lack of information on the Dustproof Green switch may pose a challenge in selecting the ideal switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and enjoy a substantial, textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a heavy bottom out force but do not mind a lack of specific sound or feel descriptions, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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