Cherry Nixie vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and TTC Silent Red switches stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Cherry Nixie is beloved for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, combining tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the Nixie offers a 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched' feel, the Silent Red provides a 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Polished' sensation. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and TTC Silent Red switches, it is clear that the Nixie utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Silent Red uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Nixie's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches share the benefits of using nylon in the bottom housing, which contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile.
The aesthetic differences between the two switches are also notable, with the Nixie featuring a classic nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Red showcases a more modern polycarbonate top housing. The translucency of polycarbonate is highlighted as particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element. On the other hand, the opaque nature of nylon may appeal to those looking for a more traditional and understated design. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer their unique advantages in terms of sound quality, with nylon creating a duller and rounder sound and polycarbonate producing a sharper and crisper sound.
Overall, it is evident that the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing in switches with different materials allows for a combination of qualities to be felt and heard during use. While the Nixie and Silent Red switches have distinct characteristics due to their housing materials, they ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both options offer their own benefits that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Nixie is heavier in both aspects. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience compared to the Silent Red. In contrast, the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Red may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the heavier Nixie may be favored by those seeking a more solid and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter distance compared to the Nixie. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it could affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Nixie offers a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Silent Red may be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, the Cherry Nixie would be the preferred choice.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is muted, producing a softer and quieter sound perfect for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Silent Red would be the preferable choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, providing users with a noticeable friction when typing. This tactile feedback can be preferred by some users for creating a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is praised for its buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and refined finish. Both switches provide different tactile sensations, catering to the preferences of users seeking either a textured or polished typing experience.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie and TTC Silent Red linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and discreet typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and environment. Both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a textured feel and a deep, low-pitched sound, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a buttery, polished feel, then the TTC Silent Red switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and desired typing force. So, consider these aspects carefully and choose the switch that best fits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
