Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are standout options, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, providing a satisfyingly low-pitched sound while incorporating modern materials and innovations from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio offers a 70g bump and immersive resistance, resulting in a bouncy, sharp, and invigorating typing experience with a captivating "thocky" sound. While the Nixie is lauded for its traditional feel, the WS Heavy Tactile stands out for its unique tactile feedback. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a deep and full sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches, making them popular choices for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. The similarity in housing materials ensures that users will get consistent sound and feel across both switches, emphasizing the benefits of nylon in switch construction.
Despite having the same nylon housing material, the Nixie and the WS Heavy Tactile may differ in their overall typing experience due to other factors such as the type of stem, spring weight, and tactile feedback they offer. These differences can significantly impact the overall performance and satisfaction of the switches, highlighting the importance of considering all elements of a switch's construction when making a selection. While the nylon housing contributes to the sound profile and feel of both switches, it is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to determining the overall typing experience they provide.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile share the benefits of nylon housing, including a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings ensures consistency in sound and feel, creating a familiar experience for users of either switch. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as stem type and tactile feedback when choosing between these switches to find the one that best suits individual preferences and typing style. Ultimately, while the housing materials may be similar, the overall typing experience can vary based on various factors unique to each switch.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a higher bottom out force of 80 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 70 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to users with varying preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for keypress resistance.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm. A difference of 0.8 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience. The Nixie's longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying keypress, while the WS Heavy Tactile's shorter travel distance may result in quicker response times. Gamers might prefer the WS Heavy Tactile for its faster feel, while typists who enjoy a deeper keypress may lean towards the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers a more clacky and resonant sound, with a higher-pitched and sharp tone that delivers a crisp and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Nixie switch may provide a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a brighter and percussive sound.
Regarding feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, which may provide a unique and slightly frictional feel when pressing the keys. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a bouncy and snappy feel that is both responsive and engaging. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is accented, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between subtlety and overwhelming feedback.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a textured typing experience, the Nixie switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a sharp and resonant sound with an invigorating and bouncy tactile feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would provide a more lively and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy and textured typing feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with pronounced tactility, bouncy feedback, and a resonant, clacky sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suited to your taste. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Choose wisely based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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