Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Grey. On one hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch best known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, offering a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for those seeking a satisfying yet silent option. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences when it comes to typing feel and sound. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on switches that use nylon in their bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Both switches will have a duller and rounder sound as a result of the nylon bottom housing. However, the Nixie employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Nixie's top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing stands in contrast to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing by offering a different sound profile. While both materials are relatively softer plastics, the Nixie's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound during typing, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey will generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the Nixie's nylon bottom housing will have a similar impact as the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing on the typing experience, resulting in a similar sound profile that is deep and full. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Nixie will deliver a more distinct and resonant sound when releasing a key compared to the Silent Grey's duller sound from its nylon top housing.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Grey utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they diverge in their choice of top housing material. The Nixie's use of polycarbonate in its top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially beneficial for users looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Grey's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different auditory experience during typing. Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and feel, with each material bringing its unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie is heavier in both respects. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Nixie will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out, while the Silent Grey will offer a slightly lighter touch in comparison. The weight of the switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, whereas a heavier switch may be favored for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive when typing or gaming. This means that users will experience a similar level of tactile feedback and actuation force when using both switches. The consistent travel distance of both switches ensures that users can expect a smooth and reliable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, whether one prefers the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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 offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience that is deep and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for being quiet, with no specific descriptors provided. Depending on personal preference, the Nixie may provide a more audible and distinctive typing sound compared to the Silent Grey. However, sound can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, offering a tactile sensation when typing. This texture may provide a unique typing experience that some users prefer for its added feedback and grip. In contrast, no specific descriptors are given for the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch, leaving its tactile qualities unknown. Depending on personal preference, the textured feel of the Nixie may offer a different typing sensation compared to the Silent Grey.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound along with a textured feel, while the Silent Grey offers a quiet typing experience with unknown tactile qualities. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches may offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different ways. It is recommended for newcomers to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with their personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a substantial heft and textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch could be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences as well, as the Nixie is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Silent Grey offers a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and what typing experience you find most satisfying.
Mentioned in this article
