Cherry Nixie vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, combining tradition with modern innovation. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature. While the Nixie offers a 'Thocky' and low-pitched typing experience, the Violet provides a stepped and neutral feel. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer. 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
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Jerrzi Violet switches both make use of nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound quality when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material differs between the two switches. The Nixie features a nylon top housing, while the Violet utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Violet is especially advantageous if RGB lighting is a factor as its translucency allows for a more vibrant light display. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visibility for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches share the quality of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing. This consistency in sound quality is a commonality between the two switches, despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and Jerrzi Violet switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While the Nixie offers a softer and more absorbent sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Violet provides a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches excel in creating a unique typing experience, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and visual appeal.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer different typing experiences. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Violet's lighter 45 grams. Similarly, the Nixie also requires a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. Generally, the Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, whereas the Violet offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Violet, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Violet. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Nixie. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, as each offers a unique tactile experience based on their travel distance.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 satisfyingly deep and thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, making each keystroke feel substantial and impactful. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound that is gentle on the ears, allowing for a balanced and pleasant typing experience without being too disruptive. While the Nixie leans towards a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound, the Violet remains comfortably in the middle ground, suitable for various environments and preferences.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch boasts a textured typing experience, providing users with a sense of friction that adds depth to their keystrokes. This textural element can be preferred by those who enjoy a tactile response during typing. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a stepped feel, characterized by a subtle two-stage tactile response that allows for a more nuanced typing experience. This mild tactility provides a comfortable and smooth keystroke that can be appreciated by users seeking a gentle tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie excels in providing a deep and thocky sound with a textured feel, the Violet delivers a neutral sound with a stepped tactile feel, catering to different preferences in the keyboard community. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences that enthusiasts can enjoy, allowing users to tailor their keyboard setup to their individual preferences. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with a textured sound or a gentle tactile response with a neutral sound, both the Cherry Nixie and the Jerrzi Violet switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the Cherry Nixie if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing feel. The Nixie is excellent for those who enjoy a classic typing experience with a modern twist. On the other hand, opt for the Jerrzi Violet if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force, a neutral sound signature, and a gentle, stepped tactile feel. The Violet is a great choice for those seeking a smooth and balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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