Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
when it comes to choosing between the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Purple Click mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. on the other hand, the KTT Purple Click is a clicky switch that offers a satisfyingly high-pitched click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. the nixie is best known for its textured, thocky, low-pitched attributes, while the purple click is characterized by its crunchy, invigorating, resonant, stepped qualities. both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and KTT Purple Click both feature nylon as a housing material for their bottom housings. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's relatively softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Although both switches share this quality in their bottom housings, the Cherry Nixie distinguishes itself with a nylon top housing, while the KTT Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast to the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing, the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience with its distinct characteristics. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing lacks.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials for the Cherry Nixie and KTT Purple Click switches brings out different sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, the distinction lies in their top housings. The Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing offers a softer and rounder sound, while the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can see clear differences in weight. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The Nixie offers a heavier push feel, while the Purple Click provides a lighter touch. Those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Nixie, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Purple Click more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Nixie or the Purple Click, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Purple Click switches offer the same level of key travel experience in terms of 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 $4.19.
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant typing sound, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves with a clean and sharp tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Nixie leaning towards a bass-heavy thocky sound, while the Purple Click delivers a higher-pitched, immersive clicky experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is praised for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feedback adds a unique tactile sensation to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a more gradual tactile feedback compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Nixie provides a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience, the Purple Click delivers a crunchy, resonant sound with an invigorating, stepped feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on whether one prefers a deep, textured typing experience or a high-pitched, clicky sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hefty, textured typing feel with a deep, low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and tactile typing experience with a high-pitched, satisfying click sound, the KTT Purple Click switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sensation and auditory feedback you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
