Cherry Nixie vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is praised for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The switch provides a silky smooth typing feel that is not overly polished. While the Cherry Nixie boasts a 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched' feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is described as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, the Nixie distinguishes itself by using a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials showcases the different sound profiles that can be achieved based on the housing material used.
However, both the Cherry Nixie and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing. The softness of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, making typing on these switches a more pleasant experience for users who prefer a quieter typing sound. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the switches' bottom housings provide a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will get similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, as it allows for RGB lighting to shine through the switch. The clear nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that aim to incorporate lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience. In comparison, the Cherry Nixie's all-nylon housing may be more understated in appearance but still contributes to a unique sound profile that sets it apart from switches with different housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to a preference for either a more visually striking RGB option or a simpler, classic design.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Cherry Nixie switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is lighter and may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces for these switches vary, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we see that the Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer of the two switches. The Nixie's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm travel distance. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear, while those who enjoy a more profound keypress may lean towards the Nixie. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience due to their slight variance in travel distance, catering to the preferences of different users.
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 $4.15.
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 sound, giving a deep and satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and neutral sound profile, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Nixie providing a deeper tone and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a quieter sound for more discreet use.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, which can provide a tactile feedback for users who enjoy a bit of friction in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience, combining a gentle feel with responsive feedback for a comfortable typing session. Additionally, the buttery and polished qualities of the Semi-Silent Linear switch contribute to a smooth and effortless keystroke, offering a refined feel for users seeking a more polished typing experience.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, typists can expect a significant difference in their typing experience based on their preferences. While the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a deep and textured sound with a tactile feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with mild and snappy attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the typist values a louder, more tactile experience with the Nixie or a quieter, smoother experience with the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy and textured typing experience with a deep thocky sound, the Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and a more subdued sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of both sound and feel, so consider what type of typing experience you value most when making your decision.
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