Cherry Nixie vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and Everglide Sunset Yellow are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Cherry Nixie switches are revered classics with a substantial heft and textured typing feel, blending tradition with modern innovation. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich, bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, coupled with a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience. While the Nixie switches are categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Sunset Yellow switches are categorized as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Nixie features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its soft, sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which also produces a deep and muted sound profile, albeit with a unique twist. While both switches achieve similar results in terms of sound depth, the type of sound produced can vary slightly due to the different characteristics of nylon and POM materials.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer a rich typing experience with deep sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Nixie provides a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow, which offers a more muted sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, where the impact on bottom-out sound and feel is most prominent, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon and POM materials. Overall, users can expect a pleasant typing experience from either switch, with slight variations in sound profile based on the housing materials used.
In terms of design and functionality, the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the bottom and top housing materials result in a nuanced sound profile that enhances the user's typing feel. While the Nixie's nylon housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, the Sunset Yellow's POM housing offers a unique and muted sound experience. Whether you prefer a slightly duller sound with the Nixie or a more muted sound with the Sunset Yellow, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience due to the sound-absorbing properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it becomes apparent that they have notable differences. The Nixie has a significantly higher actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a more medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Meanwhile, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cherry Nixie for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. Gamers may prefer the Sunset Yellow for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance offered by the Nixie. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key press feel.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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, both the Cherry Nixie and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. The Nixie switch provides a deep and satisfying sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a richer, bassier tone reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Both switches can provide an enjoyable auditory experience, depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, which can provide a unique tactile sensation for some users. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. This means that typing on the Sunset Yellow switch can feel smooth, buttery, and effortless, creating a gliding sensation with each keystroke. The combination of a longer pole stem and short travel in the Sunset Yellow switch contributes to a sharper and highly responsive typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Nixie switch may appeal to those who enjoy a textured typing experience with a thocky sound, the Sunset Yellow switch is favored by users seeking a creamy, buttery feel with a rich, bassy sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a pleasant typing experience, although with differing qualities that cater to a variety of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience and a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the Cherry Nixie may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light switch with a creamy, frictionless typing experience and a bassy, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow could be the switch that suits your preferences. Consider factors like bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision based on what resonates with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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