Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, one is faced with a choice between two exceptional linear switches. The Cherry Nixie stands out for its textured typing experience and substantial heft, making it a favored choice among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Onion is renowned for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and neutral sound profile, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. While the Nixie offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, the WS Onion provides a polished and buttery feel. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with a deeper and fuller sound resulting from the softer nature of nylon. However, the differences arise in the top housing material used. The Nixie features a nylon top housing, providing a rounder and duller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties, while the WS Onion opts for a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the material.
The choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as demonstrated by the differences between the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile, their top housing materials lead to distinct differences in sound quality. The Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the WS Onion's top housing's translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the nylon used in both the Cherry Nixie and the WS Onion, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering how each component contributes to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that there are some significant differences. The Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the WS Onion, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Nixie requires a higher 80 grams of force compared to the WS Onion's 63.5 grams. This makes the Nixie switch heavier overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The weight of a switch can greatly impact typing comfort and performance. Some may prefer the Nixie for a more substantial typing experience, while others may find the WS Onion more conducive for longer typing sessions due to its lower bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance. In terms of their travel distance, they are equal in length, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a linear switch. Both switches offer a smooth and linear keystroke, making them viable options for those who prioritize consistency and accuracy in their typing.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 tones, giving users a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on the user's preferences and setup, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Nixie offering a more distinctive and deep sound, while the WS Onion provides a more versatile and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering users a sense of friction when pressing the keys. This can be preferred by some users who enjoy the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation. This polished feel is achieved through the materials used and potential factory lubing, reducing friction and providing a refined typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the textured feel of the Nixie or the smooth and fluid feel of the WS Onion.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer uniquely different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie provides a deep and rich sound with a textured typing experience, the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for users looking for specific qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying results from either switch, depending on their individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a heavier switch, the Nixie with its 80-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch, the WS Onion with its 63.5-gram bottom-out force may be a better choice. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of the switches - the Nixie offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel, while the WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and bottom-out force.
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