Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and KTT Wine Red linear switches are both excellent options to consider. The Cherry Nixie is a revered classic known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs for a blend of tradition and modern innovation. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches offer an intoxicating typing experience with a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile. Both switches provide a low-pitched sound, but the Nixie is also characterized as 'Thocky', while the Wine Red is described as 'Bassy'. These general pointers can help you decide which switch may be best suited for your typing preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision.

By the numbers

Cherry Nixie Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$6.00

$4.19 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry Nixie and KTT Wine Red switches differ in their housing materials, with the Nixie featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This discrepancy in materials leads to distinct sound profiles when typing on the two switches. The nylon housings of the Nixie create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of the material, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate housings of the Wine Red produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile.

Despite the differences in housing materials between the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Wine Red switches, both switches share similarities in their use of translucent materials for their housings. While the Nixie employs nylon for its housing, which offers a deeper sound profile, and the Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for a crisper sound profile, the translucency of both materials allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. This feature makes the switches visually appealing and ideal for users who prioritize aesthetics and customization options in their mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, albeit through different means, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.

The impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch is notable in both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Wine Red switches. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, with the nylon bottom housing of the Nixie providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon top housing of the Nixie resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red. Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches.

Weight

In comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the KTT Wine Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Nixie provides a more substantial push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a lighter touch, which is better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Nixie being the heavier option and the Wine Red offering a lighter typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it determines the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. This means that whether you go for the Cherry Nixie or the KTT Wine Red, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel. Having a 4mm travel distance for both switches ensures a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer linear switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Wine Red switches offer a deep and rich experience, with the Nixie being described as "thocky" and low-pitched, while the Wine Red is noted for its bassy and low-pitched profile. This means that users can expect similar satisfying auditory feedback regardless of which switch they choose, though individual preferences may lean towards one sound profile over the other. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry Nixie is known for its textured typing experience, providing a tactile sensation when pressed. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is currently unknown. As such, if you prefer a switch with a noticeable texture and friction when typing, the Nixie may be the more suitable choice based on the available information. However, it's important to take into account personal preference when selecting a switch, as some users may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer attractive qualities in terms of sound and potential usability. While the Nixie is praised for its traditional heft and textured feel, the Wine Red stands out with its pillowy light type and deep sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual preference in terms of sound, feel, and potentially other factors such as budget and availability. Regardless of the switch chosen, both options promise a satisfying typing experience for newcomers venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier switch with a more robust and textured typing feel, along with a deep and low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry Nixie may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a softer and pillowy typing feel, along with a rich and bassy sound profile, the KTT Wine Red might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing force, sound, and overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry Nixie Linear

$6.00

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more