Cherry Nixie vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Piano are two popular linear options to consider. The Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', the Piano is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. Both switches have unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie's housing material, nylon, is known for providing a deep and full sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's proprietary POM blend housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are not disclosed. Both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by influencing the sound produced by the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Piano feature unique properties that contribute to the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Nixie continues to provide a deep and full sound profile, while the Piano's POM blend bottom housing offers a uniquely satisfying sound experience. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience for the user.
While the top and bottom housing materials may differ between the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Piano, the goal of both is to enhance the sound profile and typing experience for the user. The top housing material, whether it be nylon or a proprietary POM blend, has a significant impact on the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall acoustics of the switches. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the thoughtful selection of housing materials that impact the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Nixie is even heavier at 80 grams, while the Piano has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Nixie offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Piano switch, with its lighter bottom out force, may be more suitable for users who enjoy longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches provide different levels of force feedback, users can expect a similar typing experience when using either switch due to their comparable actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that both switches offer the same level of key press experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in their typing experience when using either switch. Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Piano linear switches provide a consistent travel distance, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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, which provides a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound that is deep and rich, creating a pleasant typing atmosphere. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Nixie emphasizing a thocky sound and the Piano focusing on a bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its textured typing experience, which adds a tactile element to each key press. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Nixie providing a textured feel while the Piano delivers a frictionless and silky smooth typing sensation.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a thocky, textured typing experience with the Nixie, or a bassy, frictionless feel with the Piano, you can expect a high-quality switch that enhances your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and Durock Piano switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches provide excellent performance in their own right.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing feel, then the Cherry Nixie would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bassy sound with a frictionless, silky typing experience, then the Durock Piano would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most.
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