Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are both linear switches that offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cherry Nixie is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through the use of updated materials and springs. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out for its bright metallic and resonant sound profile achieved by a metallic insert in the stem base, along with a captivating RGB display and a creamy smooth typing experience. While the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the WS Jade is labeled as clacky, marbly, resonant, silky, and creamy. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Nixie utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Jade switches use POM for both the top and bottom housing, producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon.
While the Nixie and the WS Jade both offer a deep and full sound profile, their housing materials differ in terms of their specific characteristics. The Nixie's nylon housing creates a softer and more absorbent sound, while the WS Jade's POM housing emphasizes a unique and muted sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of the Nixie and the WS Jade switches play a significant role in their overall performance. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. While there may be differences in the specific characteristics of the housing materials used in these switches, both the Nixie and the WS Jade are engineered to deliver a premium typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that the WS Jade is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Nixie is the heavier one, with an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Despite their differences in weight, both switches provide reliable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users seeking similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. This makes the WS Jade the shorter option, offering a slightly shallower key press compared to the Nixie. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the WS Jade due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the Nixie more satisfying with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a range of travel distances, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth.
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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is characterized by a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and bright auditory experience. While the Nixie offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Jade switch produces a cleaner and higher-pitched sound. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Nixie focusing on a deep and rich sound, while the Jade offering a more crisp and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This adds a layer of tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more engaging typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch offers a silky and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation when pressing and releasing keys. The Jade switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, allowing users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Nixie focusing on a textured feel and the Jade providing a smoother and more friction-free typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Nixie excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a textured typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch stands out with its clacky and resonant sound profile, coupled with a silky and creamy typing feel for a smoother and more effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Nixie for a deeper and textured typing experience or the Jade for a brighter and smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a heavier bottom out force and a deep, low-pitched sound with a textured feel, then the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a bright metallic clacky sound with a resonant, marbly feel, and a silky, creamy typing experience, then the WS Jade switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and tactile feel when making your decision between these two excellent linear switches.
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