Cherry Nixie vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry Nixie and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch, known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user. The Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', while the White Lotus is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. The White Lotus also features a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Both switches have their unique benefits, with the Nixie offering a traditional yet modern typing experience and the White Lotus providing a tranquil typing experience with customizable RGB lighting. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Durock White Lotus feature nylon top housing materials, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound while typing on these switches. Despite both switches sharing this common housing material, the overall typing experience may vary based on other factors such as stem material and spring weight.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Cherry Nixie utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, similar to the Durock White Lotus. This consistency in housing material between the top and bottom of the switch ensures a cohesive sound profile while typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. The nylon material used in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics.
While the Cherry Nixie and Durock White Lotus both have nylon bottom housing materials, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This unique blend provides a premium feel to the switch, distinguishing it from the Nixie in terms of overall typing experience. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the tactile feedback of the switch. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the weight of the forces required. The Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the weight of the forces required. Ultimately, individuals can choose between the heavier Cherry Nixie for a more substantial typing feel or the lighter Durock White Lotus for a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. In terms of comparing and contrasting their travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches. This similarity ensures that regardless of whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the Durock White Lotus switch, you will get consistent and familiar results when typing on a keyboard equipped with either of these switches.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch also boasts a low-pitched sound profile, giving off a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Nixie being slightly deeper in tone compared to the neutral sound of the White Lotus. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch falls into the category of mild and subtle switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the Nixie switch provides a more tactile feel with its textured nature, the White Lotus switch focuses more on a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the keyboard community. While the Nixie switch provides a deep and textured typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the White Lotus switch emphasizes a light tactility and easy-to-press feel accompanied by a neutral sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but rest assured, both switches will deliver satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference 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 right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with easy-to-press keys, a neutral sound profile, and a gentle typing experience, the Durock White Lotus could be the better option. Consider your typing needs, preferences, and environment when making your decision, as both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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