Cherry Nixie vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it's clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that creates a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. While the Cherry Nixie offers a low-pitched thocky feel, the Sea Glass provides a frictionless, mild, and feathery typing experience that is easy to press. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Durock Sea Glass both utilize nylon in their housing materials, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. However, the Durock Sea Glass takes it a step further with a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is slightly brighter compared to the Nixie. This difference in material composition results in a variation in the sound experience for users typing on the switches.
The Nixie and Sea Glass also differ in their top and bottom housing materials. While both switches feature nylon in their top housing, the Sea Glass incorporates UHMWPE in the bottom housing, adding to the overall sound profile of the switch. This blend creates a pleasant sound that leans towards being brighter, contrasting with the Nixie's use of nylon in both top and bottom housing for a rounder sound. The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housing of the Sea Glass contributes to a balanced sound experience when typing.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie and Durock Sea Glass offer similar results in terms of providing a deep and full sound profile through the use of nylon in their housing materials. However, the Sea Glass stands out with its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a slightly brighter sound experience compared to the Nixie. The different material compositions in the top and bottom housings of the Sea Glass allow for a varied sound profile that is pleasant and balanced, making it a distinctive choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a switch with a unique sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Nixie is heavier, while the Sea Glass is lighter. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide different levels of force, catering to the preferences of users who may opt for a heavier or lighter typing experience. Overall, the Nixie and Sea Glass switches offer distinct options in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Sea Glass for its slightly faster response time, but for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Nixie may be the preferred choice. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance and provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Sea Glass being slightly shorter and the Nixie being slightly longer.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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, providing a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a touch of airiness to the typing experience. While the Nixie switch may provide a more traditional and satisfying sound, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct sound profile that sets it apart from other linear switches.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is praised for its textured typing experience, adding a tactile element to each key press. On the contrary, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized by its frictionless and feathery feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sea Glass switch's mild and easy-to-press nature ensures a comfortable typing session with minimal strain on the fingers, making it an appealing option for extended use. While the Nixie switch may provide a more tactile typing experience, the Sea Glass switch offers a smooth and gentle feel that caters to users seeking a lighter touch.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and Durock Sea Glass switches bring unique qualities to the table. While the Nixie switch excels in providing a textured and substantial typing experience with a thocky sound, the Sea Glass switch offers a smooth and frictionless feel with a hollow sound signature. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the traditional tactile feel of the Nixie switch or the airy and weightless typing experience of the Sea Glass switch. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a heavier and textured typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter and smoother typing feel with a unique hollow sound, the Durock Sea Glass switch could be more to your liking. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch offers a more frictionless and gentle typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
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