Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie linear switch is celebrated for its classic design and substantial heft, offering a textured typing experience that combines tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch stands out for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, making it an easy-to-press option with a stepped tactile feel. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, with the Nixie providing a low-pitched thocky feel and the WS Light Tactile delivering a more neutral and easy-to-press sensation. 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
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to many typists. However, the top housing of the Nixie is made of nylon, while the WS Light Tactile utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials gives each switch a unique sound signature, appealing to different preferences.
While both switches have nylon bottom housings that provide a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the choice of material for the top housing sets them apart. The Nixie's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a softer and rounder sound, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can impact not only sound but also visual aspects of a switch.
In summary, the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer different sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound, the difference in top housing materials sets them apart. The Nixie's nylon top housing creates a softer and duller sound, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound profile of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie is heavier in both aspects. The Nixie has an 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. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the WS Light Tactile, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Cherry Nixie. Both switches offer different experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring smooth and accurate key presses. It is worth noting that the travel distance of these switches is on the shorter side compared to other switches on the market, providing a more responsive typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the WS Light Tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of 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 $4.19.
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches will provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Nixie leaning towards a deeper tone and the WS Light Tactile offering a more balanced and versatile sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is recognized for its textured typing sensation, adding a layer of feedback that some users find appealing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped feel with an easy-to-press actuation, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. While the Nixie provides a textured and tactile feedback, the WS Light Tactile offers a smoother and more gentle typing feel, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch excels in providing a deep and textured typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature and a smooth, easy-to-press feel, catering to a wide range of users looking for a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, both switches will deliver a quality typing experience, with the Nixie leaning towards a more tactile and textured feel, while the WS Light Tactile provides a smoother and gentler typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, overall typing experience, sound profile, and key feel. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience and a satisfying deep sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and snappy tactile bump, a neutral sound profile, and easy-to-press keys, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you prioritize.
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