Cherry Nixie vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star RedBlue both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is a revered classic within the keyboard community, known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are praised for their medium-light typing feel and relatively low-pitched sound profile. While the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the RedBlue is classified as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star RedBlue, we see that the Nixie features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The Nixie's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the RedBlue's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Nixie and RedBlue, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Nixie's nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate housing delivers a crisper and sharper sound. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound profiles in mechanical switches.
Overall, while the Cherry Nixie and SP-Star RedBlue utilize different housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The use of nylon in the Nixie produces a softer and fuller sound, while the use of polycarbonate in the RedBlue results in a sharper and crisper sound. The visual appeal of the RedBlue's translucent polycarbonate housing adds an extra dimension to the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Whether opting for a duller and rounder sound with the Nixie or a clearer and more resonant sound with the RedBlue, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Nixie also has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the RedBlue has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Nixie switch requires more force to both start and finish a keystroke compared to the RedBlue switch. The Nixie switch would be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the RedBlue switch would be better for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer different weight options for those who want to customize their typing experience to their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback. This feature allows for consistency in performance between the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star RedBlue switches, ensuring that typing on either keyboard will be comfortable and familiar.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience with a deep, satisfying sound that resonates with each key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch also provides a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, meaning that both switches will give you a similar auditory experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference in sound as both switches deliver on the deep and rich sound that many enthusiasts enjoy.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This textured feel may be preferred by some users who appreciate the tactile feedback it provides. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a mild and polished typing feel, giving a more gentle and refined typing experience that is smooth and sleek. Depending on your preference for either a textured or polished feel, you can choose between the Nixie for a more tactile experience or the RedBlue for a smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches offer similar sound profiles with a thocky and low-pitched tone, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. The key difference lies in the feel of the switches, with the Nixie offering a textured typing experience while the RedBlue provides a more mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the sound or feel of the switch in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider the bottom out force as a key factor. If you prefer a heavier typing experience, the Cherry Nixie with its 80-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing feel, the SP-Star RedBlue with its 57-gram bottom out force would be a better choice. Additionally, if you appreciate a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Nixie would be a great option, while the RedBlue offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, if you prefer a textured typing experience, the Nixie would be preferred, while the RedBlue offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should depend on your preferences for typing force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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