Cherry Nixie vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, offering a low-pitched sound and a thocky feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, combined with a muted sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their top housing material. The Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic. This difference in top housing material results in distinct sound characteristics for each switch, with the Nixie offering a rounder sound compared to the more resonant sound of the Silent Brown.
On the other hand, both the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Silent Brown switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the bottom housing material of these switches results in a similar dull and round sound profile, showcasing the benefits of using nylon as a switch housing material for a consistent typing experience.
In summary, the choice of housing material for switches, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their top housing material, resulting in distinct sound characteristics, they share the same nylon material for their bottom housing, leading to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch further highlight the impact each material has on the overall typing experience, making it essential for enthusiasts to consider these factors when choosing switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie is the heavier option with an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. In contrast, the Silent Brown is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Silent Brown offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have different weight tolerances, with the Nixie being on the heavier side and the Silent Brown falling in the medium-heavy range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches should depend on personal preference for typing experience, with heavier forces preferred for a more solid feel and lighter forces for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile 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 shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cherry Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is best described as producing a "thocky" and low-pitched sound when pressed, giving a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, which minimizes noise and creates a softer typing experience. While the Nixie provides a satisfyingly solid sound, the Silent Brown prioritizes a quieter and more subtle typing environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, which can add a unique tactile element to each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as offering a buttery and mild typing sensation, with a polished finish that ensures smooth and effortless key travel. The Nixie's textured feel may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of friction in their typing experience, while the Silent Brown's smooth and refined feel caters to users looking for a gentle and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie provides a deep and textured typing experience with a robust sound, the Silent Brown delivers a muted and buttery feel that is smooth and polished. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the heavier and more textured typing experience of the Nixie or opt for the lighter and smoother feel of the Silent Brown. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing feel and a deep, low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery and polished feel, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch might be more suited to your preferences. It's important to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to try them out yourself to see which one you prefer.
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