Cherry MX Black Clear Top Nixie Linear Switch
The Cherry MX Black Clear Top "Nixie" is a vintage-style linear switch with a smooth, slightly weighty feel and a unique transparent top housing. Revered by enthusiasts for its classic 1980s design and modern re-release, it's a favorite for both typing and gaming purists.
- Type: Linear
- Actuation: 63.5g
- Mount: 5-pin
- Factory Lubed: No
- Related:
- Linear
- Cherry MX Switches
Where to Buy
Key Features
The Cherry MX Black Clear Top—often called the “Nixie”—is a legendary linear switch that’s made a major comeback thanks to a cult-like following from vintage keyboard enthusiasts. Originally produced in the 1980s for Nixdorf Computer AG, the Nixie was revived by Cherry in response to growing demand. Today’s version retains the same iconic clear top housing and vintage-style aesthetics while offering smoother travel and a slightly tweaked stem design. If you’re chasing that classic, slightly heavier linear feel with modern-day smoothness, the Nixie delivers a blend of retro charm and performance refinement.
- Type: Linear – no tactile bump or audible click, just smooth downpress and release.
- Operating Force: 60g – heavier than standard MX Reds, offering more control and intentional keystrokes.
- Pre-Travel: 2.0mm | Total Travel: 4.0mm – standard travel distances for comfortable typing and gaming.
- Housing: Clear top and black bottom – faithful to the original Nixie aesthetic.
- Stem: Black linear stem – smooth with minimal wobble and improved consistency over older designs.
- Spring: Heavier spring for a firmer press and a satisfying return, great for those who bottom out their keys.
- Feel: Smooth, consistent, and slightly weighty – ideal for fast typists who prefer resistance over feather-touch switches.
User Feedback
Fans of the Nixie praise its unique “vintage smoothness” and the slightly higher actuation force that gives typing a more deliberate, less twitchy feel. It’s often described as a more refined Cherry MX Black, offering just enough resistance to avoid accidental keypresses but not so much that it feels fatiguing over long sessions.
Modders also love Nixies for their build quality—lube them up, film them, and they become whisper-quiet and buttery smooth. And aesthetically? That clear top housing is a chef’s kiss under RGB or backlighting. They’re not the lightest linears on the market, but that’s exactly what makes them stand out.
Overall, Cherry MX Black Clear Top Nixies are a favorite for those who appreciate heritage design with a modern twist. If you’re looking to build a premium board with a classic feel—or you’re just done with featherweight linears—the Nixie is a top-tier contender worth every click (or lack thereof).
Specifications
| Brand | Cherry |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cherry |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Sound | Thocky, deep, smooth |
| Actuation Force | 63.5g |
| Bottom-Out Force | - |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm |
| Factory Lubed | No |
| Stem Type | MX |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Top Housing Material | Polymer |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Mount | 5-pin |
| SMD LED Support | No |
| Lifespan | 50 Million |
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