Cherry Nixie vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options for typists seeking a linear switch experience. The Cherry Nixie stands out as a revered classic, combining a substantial heft with a textured typing experience, enhanced by Cherry’s updated MX2A materials and springs. This switch is celebrated for its "thocky" sound and low-pitched feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a robust tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinctly different typing experience with its incredibly light actuation force, promoting effortless key presses complemented by a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes the Yunhai particularly appealing for those who prioritize a smooth, gentle typing experience over a pronounced auditory response. Both switches cater to different styles and preferences, highlighting the diverse needs of the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Yunhai switches are identical, with both featuring nylon for both the top and bottom houses. This choice of material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. Nylon, celebrated for its softer and more absorbent characteristics compared to harder plastics, allows both switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on either switch elicits a rich auditory experience, where the softer nature of the nylon absorbs sound waves, resulting in a muted yet round sound signature that many typists find appealing. Since both switches utilize the same material, users can expect consistent auditory feedback from each.
In terms of tactile feedback and the overall feel of the switches, the nylon top and bottom housings contribute distinct yet complementary qualities. While the top housing influences the sound and feel experienced when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a critical role when the key bottoms out. Since both the Nixie and Yunhai share nylon in both housings, the switches offer similar feedback characteristics, ensuring that typists experience an equivalent sensation during both the act of pressing down and releasing the keys. This means that if a user is accustomed to the tactile and auditory profiles of one switch, they can confidently transition to the other while maintaining a familiar feel.
Moreover, given that both switches utilize the same nylon material for their housings, any differences in sound profile or tactile feedback would likely arise from other components, such as the switch mechanism or spring used within. However, the primary effect of using nylon is consistent across both models, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a deeper and more resonant sound, regardless of the specific branding. Consequently, typists looking for a distinctive yet similarly enjoyable experience can find satisfaction in either the Cherry Nixie or the TTC Yunhai due to their shared housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different tactile experiences primarily due to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry Nixie has a notably heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its robustness. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a much lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Overall, the Nixie is the heavier of the two, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Yunhai is lighter, catering to a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ significantly in travel distance, with the Nixie measuring 4 mm while the Yunhai measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer option, providing a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying and sturdy when typing. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai switch caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, often preferred by gamers looking for quick response times. While both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, the Nixie is ideal for those who appreciate a fuller keystroke, whereas the Yunhai might appeal to users seeking a more immediate feedback experience with its shorter travel.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 evaluating the sound of the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched quality. This means that with each keystroke, users can expect a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock," which can enhance the auditory experience during typing sessions. This sound profile is generally preferred by those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches do not have sound characteristics specified, which leaves their audio profile uncertain. However, it is important to note that the final sound produced is also heavily influenced by the keyboard's design, including the materials and constructions of the board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switches boast a textured typing experience marked by noticeable friction during operation. This texture can provide tactile feedback that some typists find satisfying, as it can enhance the connection between the user and the keyboard while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches lack specific descriptors for their tactile characteristics, leaving their feel undetermined. However, the light actuation force of the Yunhai is noted, which suggests a gentler and more effortless keystroke. This could cater to users who prefer a smoother typing experience without the distraction of texture.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a distinct, thocky sound profile and a textured feel that contributes to its appeal in the mechanical keyboard community. Conversely, while the TTC Yunhai switch promises a gentle actuation force, its sound and feel remain unspecified, leaving room for individual interpretation. If you favor a rich auditory experience and a textured feel, the Nixie switches will meet those needs effectively. Meanwhile, if you're drawn to lighter actuation without specific sound characteristics, you may find the Yunhai to be an intriguing option, even if its overall typing experience is less defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you prefer a heavier actuation that provides a substantial and tactile experience, the Cherry Nixie is the way to go. Its 80-gram bottom-out force coupled with a thocky, low-pitched sound makes it ideal for users who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience—perfect for those who type with force or enjoy the satisfying feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you value a lighter, more effortless typing sensation, the TTC Yunhai may be better suited to your needs. With a significantly lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a smoother sound profile, the Yunhai is perfect for users who type rapidly or wish to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you find joy in the weighty, textured feel of the Nixie or the soft, gentle nature of the Yunhai.
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