Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Outemu Silent White both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The Cherry Nixie is highly regarded for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, combining tradition with modern innovation through the use of updated materials and springs. This linear switch is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its silent operation. It is categorized as [general sound level]. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the Cherry Nixie for its tactile feedback and solid build, or the Outemu Silent White for its quiet performance. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent White both use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound profile, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When comparing the nylon bottom housing of the Nixie and Silent White switches, both elicit a similar deep and full sound profile. This can be attributed to the softness of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. The difference in sound between the two switches lies in their respective top housings. The Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall sound experience of the switches.
The impact of the housing material on the sound profile of a switch is significant, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. While both the Nixie and the Silent White utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound, the differentiation in their top housings leads to distinct sound profiles. The Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound aesthetics of a switch.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, while the Silent White only needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent White, as it requires less force to type, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. However, for a more substantial typing feel, the Nixie may be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the weight of force required, so users should consider their typing preferences when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The longer travel distance of the Nixie may provide a more satisfying keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper press, while the shorter travel distance of the Silent White may appeal to individuals seeking a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, so it is essential to consider how the travel distance will affect your overall typing experience.
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 White 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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific descriptors, making it difficult to directly compare the sound between the two switches. Both switches will produce sound that is heavily influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as having a textured typing experience, which may provide users with a sense of feedback and tactility when typing. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent White switch, making it unclear how it compares to the Cherry Nixie in this aspect. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between switches with different tactile characteristics.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a classic typing experience with its substantial heft and textured feel, while incorporating modern updates for improved performance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and other subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with a heavier bottom out force and a classic, textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound. Choose the Cherry Nixie for a traditional, thocky typing experience or opt for the Outemu Silent White for a smoother, quieter typing experience.
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