Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches that are often compared are the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, 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 Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke. While the Cherry Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', the Milk Blue switch does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own unique advantages, making them appealing choices for different 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
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Cherry Nixie and Outemu Milk Blue both have top housings made of different materials, with the Nixie featuring a nylon top housing and the Milk Blue featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Nixie creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
On the other hand, both the Cherry Nixie and Outemu Milk Blue have bottom housings made of nylon, sharing similar characteristics in sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches. While the top housing material may differ between the Nixie and Milk Blue, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The difference in top housing materials between the Cherry Nixie and Outemu Milk Blue results in distinct sound profiles, with the Nixie's nylon top housing producing a deeper sound compared to the crisper sound of the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether a switch features nylon or polycarbonate housing can affect not only the sound but also the aesthetic appeal, especially in switches with RGB lighting.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. The Nixie also has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unknown. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Milk Blue offers a lighter actuation force, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. While the actuation force of the Nixie is higher, the Milk Blue may still provide similar results for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get similar results in typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches, making them equally suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Outemu Milk Blue 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 typing experience with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound is unknown, but it is essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps when determining the sound profile of a switch.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as having a textured typing experience, offering a unique tactile feedback that some users prefer for its friction when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch. However, it is important to note that individual preference plays a significant role in determining the feel of a switch, so trying out different options is essential to find the right fit for your typing style.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky sound and a textured feel, blending tradition with modern innovation through its updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. While information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is limited, it is essential to consider all available information on a switch's sound and feel to make an informed decision based on your preferences. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches will help you find the perfect match for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience and a deep, thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a lighter touch and a crisp clicking sound, the Outemu Milk Blue could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type.
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