Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cherry Nixie is recognized for its substantial heft and textured typing feel, incorporating updated materials and springs for a modern twist on a classic switch. On the other hand, the WS Yellow boasts a blend of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, providing a more lightweight and smooth typing experience with a satisfying bounce. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', the WS Yellow is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Mild', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts seeking specific typing characteristics. 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
53g
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
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback, as they share the same material composition for their housing components.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, there may be differences in the specific qualities each switch offers due to potential variations in the manufacturing process. The Nixie and the WS Yellow may have subtle differences in sound and feel, even though they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. These differences could impact the overall typing experience for users, with one switch potentially providing a slightly softer or louder typing sound compared to the other.
Overall, the similarities in using nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon compared to other plastics likely contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile when typing on these switches. While there may be subtle differences in the overall typing experience between the two switches, the shared use of nylon as a housing material indicates that users can anticipate a similar level of performance from both the Nixie and the WS Yellow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the WS Yellow. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the WS Yellow has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the WS Yellow would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Yellow for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for typists who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Yellow 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 best known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is unknown, but given its material blend and double-stage spring construction, it is likely to offer a similar rich and bass-heavy tone that enthusiasts appreciate.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as having a textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is known for its creamy, mild, and polished qualities, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation that is buttery and approachable to most users. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, but in slightly different ways, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Taking all the information into consideration, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Nixie is known for its textured typing experience and thocky sound, the WS Yellow stands out for its creamy and polished feel, as well as its satisfying bounce. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 80 grams and enjoy the traditional textured feel of a switch, the Cherry Nixie would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 53 grams and appreciate a smooth and creamy feel, the WS Yellow would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.