Cherry Nixie vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs from the MX2A update. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Taro is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. So, why would you choose one over the other? The Nixie provides a traditional feel with a modern twist, while the Taro offers a comfortable typing experience with satisfying tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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 Taro differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Nixie featuring nylon top and bottom housings, while the Taro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The Nixie's nylon top and bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon bottom housing helps in creating a deeper sound profile similar to the Nixie.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Cherry Nixie and Jwick Taro share the common characteristic of using nylon in their bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature helps absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile, although the top housing materials may introduce variations in sound characteristics.
The impact of different housing materials on a switch's sound profile is noticeable when considering the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing and the Jwick Taro's polycarbonate top housing. The Nixie's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Taro's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly affect the sound profile and typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that the Nixie is the heavier option. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Taro has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy compared to the Nixie. While the Nixie offers a heavier typing experience ideal for those who prefer more resistance, the Taro provides a slightly lighter feel for those who enjoy typing for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued. Both switches offer different weight options, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the Nixie and Taro switches cater to different typing experiences based on actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jwick Taro. Both distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being more common and 3.0 mm being on the shallower end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Jwick Taro a popular choice in that regard. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, leading them to prefer the Cherry Nixie for its slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key response.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, producing a deep and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This can provide a unique tactile feedback for users who prefer a bit of resistance during typing. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile bump that allows for some pre-travel and post-travel in the keystroke.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Nixie provides a textured and heftier typing experience with a thocky sound, while the Taro offers a cozy and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a more tactile and textured typing experience, the Nixie may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a smoother and more neutral typing experience, the Taro could be the way to go.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for key weight and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility, and a buttery and stepped feel, the Jwick Taro tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you when typing.
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