Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Pine, both linear switches. The Cherry Nixies are beloved for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through the use of updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear Switches offer a medium-heavy feel with a buttery smooth key travel, thanks to a factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. While the Nixie is known for its 'Thocky' and low-pitched typing experience, the Pine is described as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and low-pitched. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, with the Nixie using nylon and the Pine using polycarbonate. The Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer composition. The aesthetic difference is also notable, with clear polycarbonate being more commonly associated with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, with the Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine utilizing nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. Nylon's softer properties in the Nixie's bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, similar to its effect in the top housing. In comparison, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, consistent with its impact in the top housing. Although there are slight variations in the material compositions, both switches aim to provide a balanced and unique typing experience through their housing materials.
In summary, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine offer distinct characteristics with their use of nylon and polycarbonate in different parts of the switch, the overall goal remains the same - to create an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Nixie or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Pine, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a keyboard.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Nixie also has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Pine has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, which some users may prefer for increased feedback and accuracy. In contrast, the Pine offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you can expect a similar amount of travel distance before bottoming out. However, it is worth noting that the Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine switches differ in other characteristics such as actuation force, bottom out force, and smoothness. Despite these differences, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of key 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 $4.15.
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine switches offer a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. The Nixie switch produces a thocky sound, which gives it a satisfying and substantial feel when pressed, while the Pine switch's buttery sound profile offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches are likely to produce a pleasing sound, but the specific tone can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, which can provide a tactile feedback that some users appreciate. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal friction. While the Nixie switch may have a more pronounced texture, the Pine switch provides a more uniform and effortless typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, users may favor the tactile feedback of the Nixie or the smoothness of the Pine switch.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Pine switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Nixie switch is known for its thocky sound and textured typing experience, the Pine switch stands out for its buttery and creamy feel. Whether you prefer a deep and textured sound or a smooth and uniform typing experience, both switches provide a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for typing force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier typing force and a more textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium typing force with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the KTT Pine switch may be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Nixie may be more appealing, whereas if you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound, the Pine could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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