Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Nixie, a linear switch, is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs from the MX2A update. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, boasts a light actuation force of 37g and a tactile force of 50g, providing a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. While the Nixie is known for its low-pitched and thocky feel, the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy and stepped typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the KTT Phalaenopsis both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Nixie using nylon for both and the Phalaenopsis using polycarbonate for both. The Nixie's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the use of nylon in the Nixie and polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis showcases the diversity in sound profiles that can be achieved through housing material selection.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. This translucency feature is not present in the Nixie's nylon housing, which may limit the customization options for lighting effects. However, both switches offer a quality typing experience, with the Nixie's deeper and fuller sound profile contrasting with the Phalaenopsis's sharper and crisper sound. While the Nixie's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile during bottom-out keystrokes, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing further amplifies the sharp and clear sound when the key is pressed down, highlighting the impact of housing material on typing feedback and sound quality.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Cherry Nixie and KTT Phalaenopsis ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Nixie and Phalaenopsis may offer similar typing experiences in terms of feel and actuation force, the specific characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate materials result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis only needs 37 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. The differences in force between these two switches cater to different preferences, with the Nixie offering a heavier typing experience and the Phalaenopsis providing a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making their travel distances equal. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, it is important to note that the Nixie is a linear switch, while the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch. The Nixie provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Phalaenopsis offers a tactile bump during the keystroke to provide a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for linear or tactile feedback.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
When it comes to sound, both the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a satisfying experience. The Nixie switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound, giving a deep and rich auditory feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is also thocky but leans towards a more bassy sound profile, providing a pleasant and deeper tone during typing sessions. While the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable sound experience that will likely please users who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is noted for its textured typing experience, offering users a tactile feel with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can add an extra layer of feedback and sensation to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile experience with a discernible bump that is not as intense as other hyper-tactile switches. This gentle tactility, combined with the light actuation force, results in a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Nixie offers a traditional yet modern approach with its substantial heft and textured typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis provides a light actuation force and satisfying tactile bump for effortless typing sessions. Whether you prefer a deep and rich sound like the Nixie or a smoother, multi-stage tactile feel like the Phalaenopsis, both switches offer a delightful typing experience that will elevate your keyboarding experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a substantial heft and textured feel, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry Nixie linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, effortless typing experience, and a satisfying tactile bump with a bassy and thocky sound profile, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and comfort level.
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