Cherry Nixie vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Type L both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing feel, blending tradition with modern innovations. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L stands out as the lightest in its series, requiring only 45g to bottom out, and produces a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Type L is described as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its strengths and appeals to different preferences in typing experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Type L utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
The difference between the two switches lies in the specific design and construction of their housing materials. While the Cherry Nixie has a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Gateron Type L also features a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This means that the qualities of nylon as a housing material are evenly distributed throughout both switches, offering a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Type L.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Type L may come down to personal preference in terms of other factors such as actuation force, travel distance, and tactile feedback. However, when it comes to the housing material, both switches provide a similar deep and full sound profile thanks to their use of nylon. Whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the Gateron Type L, you can expect a typing experience that is characterized by the round and dull sound created by the softer nylon housing material.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch differ significantly. The Cherry Nixie has a much heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Type L has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suited for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions that require quick keystrokes. The Nixie switch is heavier overall, while the Type L switch is lighter, catering to users with different preferences for typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Type L linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and typing experiences. It's worth noting that both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to other linear switches on the market, which can appeal to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and rich sound that is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Both switches will provide a pleasing sound depending on personal preference, with the Nixie offering a deeper tone compared to the Type L's more mellow sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Type L linear switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Nixie may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction in their typing experience, the Type L's light actuation force and smooth pressing may be more comfortable for those looking for a lighter touch.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Nixie provides a thocky and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, while the Type L offers a neutral and feathery feel with a subdued sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, textured typing experience or a lighter, smoother feel. Both switches, however, offer quality components with modern innovations that will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Gateron Type L linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. Its deep thocky sound and textured feel offer a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more subtle sound profile, the Gateron Type L may be more suitable. Its feathery feel and easy-to-press actuation make it ideal for extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. Consider your desired bottom out force, sound preference, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you have a keyboard that suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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