Cherry Nixie vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you will be using your keyboard. The Cherry Nixie is a revered classic known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is perfect for situations where a quiet typing experience is necessary, offering a cushiony feel with minimal noise. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of sound profile. The Cherry Nixie's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This difference in sound profile gives users a choice between a softer, fuller sound with the Nixie, or a sharper, clackier sound with the Silent Ink Black.
Despite their different sound profiles, both the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black use their respective housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The softer nature of nylon in the Nixie's housing provides a more cushioned feel when typing, resulting in a smoother and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the proprietary INK blend in the Silent Ink Black's housing creates a more tactile and responsive typing experience, with a sharper feel when pressing down on the keys. These differences in feel and feedback cater to different preferences among users, with some preferring a softer, quieter typing experience while others enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Silent Ink Black housing materials comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials, with the Nixie providing a softer, fuller sound and smoother typing feel, while the Silent Ink Black offers a sharper, clackier sound and a more tactile typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter, cushioned typing experience or a more tactile and responsive feel, both switches utilize their housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Ink Black offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their benefits depending on personal preference, with the Nixie leaning towards a heavier typing experience and the Silent Ink Black providing a medium-heavy option for users.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and keypress feel from both switches. While both linear switches have the same travel distance, it is important to note that the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches may differ in other aspects such as actuation force, actuation point, and overall typing 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound, perfect for environments where noise needs to be minimized. While the Nixie delivers a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound, the Silent Ink Black provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is praised for its textured typing experience, adding a tactile element to each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. Whether you prefer a textured or polished typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Considering the sound and feel differences between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's evident that each switch caters to a specific typing preference. If you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a textured typing feel, the Nixie switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more muted sound with a silky and polished typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer top-notch quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silky smooth typing feel, and a muted sound for quieter environments, the Gateron Silent Ink Black could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that align with your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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