Cherry Nixie vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Cherry Nixies are revered classics within the keyboard community, celebrated for their substantial heft and textured typing experience. With the incorporation of updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, these switches offer a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, resulting in a unique thocky and low-pitched feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a budget-friendly choice, featuring a medium-weight all-POM design that delivers exceptional smoothness and a delightful thocky sound profile. While the Nixie excels in providing a textured feel and a rich tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those seeking quality at a more accessible price point. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches exhibit notable differences that influence their acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback. The Nixie switches feature nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which is a classic material known for its softer composition. This softness not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also helps to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for its unique acoustic properties, creating a distinct sound profile that remains on the deeper side, albeit with a different texture and tonal quality compared to nylon. The use of POM lends the Sea Salt Smoothie a more pleasing and relatively muted sound, diverging from the deeper resonance characteristic of nylon.
When examining the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall performance, it is important to consider how these differences manifest during use. In the Cherry Nixie, the nylon housing contributes to a cohesive sound dynamic that leans heavily on the characteristics of the nylon material throughout the keystroke. This uniformity results in a consistent auditory experience irrespective of which part of the switch is engaged. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s dual POM housings also maintain a level of consistency but may introduce subtler variations in sound and feel due to the unique properties of POM. While both switches aim for a muted and deeper sound, the distinct materials used lead to contrasting tactile feedback and auditory experiences.
Ultimately, while the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches employ different housing materials, both achieve desirable acoustic outcomes that cater to distinct user preferences. The nylon used in the Nixie provides a traditional sound profile that prioritizes warmth and depth, while the POM material in the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly different auditory palette that remains deep yet uniquely pleasing. Users who appreciate the characteristics of one switch may find that the other offers similar results in terms of sound profile, albeit with subtle variations reflecting the unique properties of the respective housing materials. This comparison highlights the impact of material choice on the overall keystroke experience while illustrating how differing compositions can still yield complementary auditory results.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force that cater to diverse user preferences. The Nixie requires a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and has a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who like a firmer push while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a much lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, which leaves some ambiguity about its total travel feel and resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, the Nixie is better suited for users who prefer a heavier switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those seeking a lighter touch, although the exact bottom out experience of the latter remains a mystery.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Nixie measuring 4 mm and the Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer option, offering a bit more depth for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times, reflecting a modern trend towards decreased travel distances. For individuals who prefer a swift, responsive keypress, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy the sensation of a deeper key travel, the Cherry Nixie would likely provide a more satisfying experience.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Nixie stands out with its thocky and low-pitched tones, producing a deep and satisfying sound that resembles a soft knock or thud upon keypress. This rich auditory experience is characteristic of a more bass-heavy switch, which can provide a more immersive typing experience. Conversely, while the specific sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie isn't detailed, it generally tends to offer a smooth auditory experience that may be less pronounced and more subdued compared to the Nixie's robust sound. However, both switches will ultimately yield different acoustic results depending on the keyboard construction and materials used, meaning factors such as the choice of board and keycaps will significantly influence how each sounds in practice.
On the tactile side, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is noted for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction during key presses and delivering a markedly engaging typing experience. This tactile feedback can enhance the sensation of typing for those who appreciate a more pronounced interaction with their switches. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is not specifically described, but being a medium-weight linear switch crafted from POM, it is likely smoother than the Nixie, catering to users who prefer a friction-free typing experience. This means that the Nixie will provide more texture in its actuation, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more streamlined and fluid, appealing to different preferences.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct experiences, they cater to varying preferences within the keyboard community. The Nixie excels in sound with its thocky, low-pitched profile and offers a textured feel that some typists find satisfying. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is expected to deliver a smooth experience, though its sound profile remains unspecified. Depending on how a user values sound and feel, the choice between these switches can lead to significantly different typing experiences. Each should be viewed within the context of individual typing habits and aesthetic preferences, making the decision ultimately personal.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry Nixie linear switches and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force and a tactile feedback, the Nixie, with its 80-gram bottom out force, might be ideal for you. This switch is known for its textured feel that adds character to your keystrokes and a thocky sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. It's an excellent option for those who appreciate traditional mechanical switches and seek a classic yet modern typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless typing experience with an emphasis on sound quality without the added weight, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suited to your needs. This switch is recognized for its all-POM construction that enhances its smoothness while offering a thocky sound signature, suitable for long typing sessions or for those who enjoy gaming. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal typing style, the weight you’re accustomed to, and the auditory feedback you prefer.
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