Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating modern materials and springs for a blend of tradition and innovation. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch provides a medium-light actuation force for a responsive yet comfortable typing experience, with a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. While the Nixie offers a 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched' typing experience, the WS Brown remains uncategorized. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it important to delve deeper into their features and characteristics to make the best choice for your needs. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon as the material for their housing, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound that is appealing to many keyboard enthusiasts.
One key difference between the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Brown lies in the design of their top housing. While both utilize nylon for the top housing, the specific shape and construction of the housing can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the WS Brown, depending on the nuances of their design. However, the underlying material of nylon will still provide a familiar depth and richness to the typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Brown use nylon to create a consistent typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the softer plastic of nylon contributing to a more cushioned typing experience. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a similar level of comfort and sound profile when typing on either the Nixie or the WS Brown switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Nixie is the heavier option with an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a substantial typing feel. In contrast, the WS Brown is lighter with a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. While the actuation force for the WS Brown is not specified, it can be assumed that it is lighter than the Nixie due to the lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Brown for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more robust feel may prefer the Cherry Nixie for a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the WS Brown. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, creating a deep and satisfying sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, so it is hard to determine its sound profile without further information. However, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its textured typing experience, providing users with a unique tactile sensation while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have any descriptors provided, making it difficult to gauge the tactile feel it offers without additional details. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary depending on personal preferences.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch stands out for its distinct thocky sound and textured feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, but more information is needed to fully evaluate its sound and feel characteristics. Overall, both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, providing users with different typing experiences to suit their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier typing experience, the Cherry Nixie with its 80-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the WS Brown with its 55-gram bottom out force could be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a deep, thocky sound and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be more aligned with your preferences. However, if you prefer a more harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown may be the better option. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences to determine which switch best suits your needs.
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