Cherry Nixie vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Huano Sakura stand out as two noteworthy linear options, each catering to different user preferences and typing experiences. The Cherry Nixie, a revered classic, is recognized for its substantial heft and textured feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. Enhanced by Cherry's modern MX2A materials and springs, the Nixie offers a uniquely 'thocky' sound profile and a low-pitched responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional yet refined typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch paired with medium acoustics, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This switch leans toward a smoother keystroke that many users may find appealing for both gaming and daily tasks. Each switch brings its distinctive characteristics to the table, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housings that influence overall performance and sound. The Nixie's top housing is made of nylon, which is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a mellower auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Sakura's top housing utilizes POK, a polyketone material that is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and durability. Despite the tonal differences, both materials are engineered to enhance user experience; the Nixie's nylon offers a unique sound signature, while the POK top of the Sakura provides a crispness and clarity that results in smooth and clacky interactions.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Nixie and Sakura utilize nylon, providing a common thread in their performance characteristics. This shared material results in similar sound absorption properties, as nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Therefore, regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings deliver a consistent auditory experience that is enriched by the soft plastic's ability to absorb sound. This allows users to achieve a more rounded sound when bottoming out, a critical aspect of the overall typing experience for enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback.
In summary, while the Cherry Nixie and Huano Sakura differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the Nixie, and POK for the Sakura—both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a shared quality in sound dampening and tactile feedback. The unique combinations of their top and bottom materials result in varying auditory experiences; the nylon on the Nixie's top imparts a softer sound, while the POK top on the Sakura offers a sharper acoustic profile. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, though the distinctions in the top housing materials dictate the nuances in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force, making them suited for different user preferences in typing experience. The Nixie features a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura has a much lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed and comfort are priorities. Ultimately, if users prefer a lighter key feel for prolonged use, the Sakura is the preferable option, while those seeking a robust typing experience might opt for the heavier Nixie switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we observe that the Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura's travel distance measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer switch, providing a more substantial travel experience that some users might prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Sakura may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches serve different user preferences—one leaning towards a deeper feel and the other favoring rapid response—those who prefer a more responsive typing experience may find the Sakura's shorter travel distance advantageous, whereas users who appreciate a more hearty depth might opt for the Nixie.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized by a deep, thocky quality that delivers a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This low-pitched sound, akin to a soft thud or a gentle knock, enhances the overall typing feel, making it resonate well for tactile feedback enthusiasts. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura switch remain less defined, implying that its acoustics may not stand out as prominently. However, it is worth noting that any switch's sound can also vary based on the keyboard platform and the choice of keycaps used, which makes sound performance subjective as well.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Cherry Nixie excels with its textured profile, providing a tangible resistance that many typists find rewarding. This texturing adds a noticeable friction during key presses, enriching the typing experience but potentially leading to preferences that diverge, as some users might favor a smoother action. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Huano Sakura switch are unknown, leaving it uncertain how it compares in terms of resistance, smoothness, or overall tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a compelling fusion of sound and tactile uniqueness with its thocky audio output and textured feel, making it a strong candidate for those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents a lighter touch and medium acoustics but lacks sufficient information to fully compare its feel and auditory quality to the Nixie. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different typing preferences, and users might find satisfaction with either, depending on their personal priorities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry Nixie linear switches and Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a distinct thocky sound and a textured feel, the Nixie is likely your best bet. Its 80-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it ideal for those who type with a heavy hand or appreciate a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for rapid keystrokes with less fatigue, the Sakura switches would be the way to go. With a mere 45 grams of actuation force, they are great for extended typing sessions and fast-paced gaming, providing a smooth experience without the heaviness associated with the Nixies. In terms of sound and overall tactile feedback, the Nixie's low-pitched and thocky acoustics offer a rich auditory experience, while the Sakura's acoustic profile is more neutral and unobtrusive. As such, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it's the sound, weight, or tactile feedback—and choose accordingly to ensure a satisfying experience with your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
