Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and KTT Rose mechanical keyboard switches are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cherry Nixie is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch features progressive springs for a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, creating a sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops. While the Nixie is known for being textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Rose switch is characterized by being low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches offer their own set of benefits, 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the KTT Rose differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Nixie featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Nixie 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 polycarbonate top housing of the Rose produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The use of translucent polycarbonate in the Rose's top housing also allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Rose share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their similar deep and full sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption and a duller, rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience on both switches. While the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing still plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. In this case, the shared nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Cherry Nixie and KTT Rose switches greatly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. The contrasting nylon and polycarbonate materials in their top housings result in distinct sound characteristics, with the Nixie offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Rose. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches, maintaining a deep and full sound profile thanks to the sound absorption properties of nylon. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, resonant sound, the housing materials in these switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound output.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Nixie requires 80 grams of force while the Rose switch only needs 63.5 grams. This makes the Nixie switch heavier overall in terms of force required, both for actuation and bottoming out. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Rose switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Nixie switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distances are identical, meaning that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This similar travel distance ensures that the tactile feedback and keypress feel will be uniform across both switches, allowing for a seamless transition between the two. Whether choosing the Cherry Nixie or the KTT Rose switch, users can expect a standard key travel distance of 4mm, resulting in a similar typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 producing a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, but with a hint of neutrality, making it versatile for various contexts. Both switches promise a pleasant typing sound, with the Nixie leaning towards a deeper tone and the Rose offering a more balanced acoustic experience depending on your preference and setup.
Turning to the feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is hailed for its textured typing experience, providing a unique tactile feedback that some users find appealing. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a milder and polished feel, which appeals to those seeking a smoother and refined typing sensation. While the Nixie leans towards a more textured and friction-based feel, the Rose offers a gentler and polished touch, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Rose linear switches have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper, more textured typing experience with a thocky sound, the Nixie might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you desire a more balanced sound profile and a smoother, polished feel, the Rose could offer a better typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the overall setup of your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, and a mild, polished typing experience, the KTT Rose switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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