Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. the cherry nixie stands out for its revered classic status in the keyboard community, offering a substantial heft and textured typing experience. with updated materials and springs from cherry's mx2a update, these switches blend tradition with modern innovation, providing a smooth, quiet, lower-pitched typing feel. on the other hand, the outemu red switch lacks a specific standout feature but is categorized as a linear switch. overall, the cherry nixie appeals to those who value a tactile experience with a solid build quality, while the outemu red may be preferred for its straightforward linear feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie has a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Red has a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile in the Outemu Red, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
Despite having different top housing materials, both the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red share the characteristic of having nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that the typing experience on switches with these bottom housings will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, thanks to the softer nylon plastic that absorbs more sound. However, where the difference lies is in the top housing material. While the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, the Outemu Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This variance in top housing material is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches, showcasing how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the user experience.
When considering switches with different top and bottom housing materials like the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red, it's essential to understand how each housing material influences the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound and feel upon bottoming out a key, will be more pronounced in switches with nylon bottom housings, like the Cherry Nixie and Outemu Red. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. The actuation force of the Nixie is higher than that of the Red, making it more resistant to accidental keystrokes, while the Red offers a smoother and lighter typing experience. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. This provides a similar typing experience in terms of key travel, giving users a familiar feel regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that caters to the preferences of users who prefer a linear switch with a moderate key 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 Red 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 Red linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptions available. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie is praised for its textured typing experience, which can offer a unique and tactile sensation when typing. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Red switch is not provided. It is worth mentioning that the preference for a textured or smooth typing experience is subjective and varies among users.
Overall, if you are seeking a linear switch with a deep and satisfying sound profile along with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be a suitable choice for you. While less information is available on the Outemu Red switch, if it shares similarities with the Nixie, you can expect a comparable result in terms of sound and feel. As always, personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry Nixie linear switches and Outemu Red linear switches, consider your preference for key weight and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier key with a substantial feel and texture when typing, the Cherry Nixie linear switch with its 80-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight key with a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Outemu Red linear switch with its 62-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for key weight and typing feel.
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