Gateron CM vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CM and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Gateron CM is a linear switch that breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound signature. The impeccable factory lube job of the CM switch ensures a smooth typing journey, as if you are effortlessly gliding with each keystroke. Additionally, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM switch offers a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is also a linear switch known for its heftier typing experience. It produces a deep sound profile, although not excessively so, making it stand out among other switches. Both switches offer characteristics like a buttery feel and low-pitched sound, but let's dive deeper into their specific attributes to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CM and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic and its ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, but relatively more muted.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have a nylon material for the CM and POM for the NovelKeys Cream. Both nylon and POM are classic switch housing materials known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials have the ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel in a similar manner.

However, when it comes to the sound when letting go of a key, the top housing of the switch plays a significant role. The Gateron CM's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing creates a relatively more muted sound. Therefore, the sound profile when releasing a key will differ between the switches, with the CM offering a richer sound and the Cream providing a more subdued sound.

In summary, while the Gateron CM and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches share the characteristic of using classic housing materials for their bottom housings, their differences lie in the top housings. The CM's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Cream's POM top housing produces a more muted sound. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, offering unique and pleasing sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that they share a similar actuation force of 55 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when considering the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Gateron CM has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Kailh NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly greater force to fully press a key, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Gateron CM would be the preferred option as it has a lighter bottom out force. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a stronger and more substantial push feel when typing, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be more suitable with its heavier bottom out force. This provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have different travel distances. The CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream is more traditional, while the 3.6 mm of the CM is slightly shorter. This makes the NovelKeys Cream a better option for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the CM's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bassy and thocky sound profile. The deep and rich sound it produces during key presses resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, but with a clean and sharp resonant sound. While both switches have similarities in terms of being low-pitched, the CM switch leans towards a deeper, bass-rich sound, while the Cream switch offers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is often described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. These descriptors signify a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Similarly, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a textured option for users who prefer some noticeable friction when pressed, providing a subtle texture. Additionally, the Cream switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provide unique sound and feel experiences. While the CM switch is known for its deep and bassy sound profile, the Cream switch offers a resonant and higher-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a buttery and seamless typing experience, but the CM switch focuses more on a polished and frictionless feel, while the Cream switch offers a textured option for those who prefer some noticeable friction. Overall, these switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance your typing journey, providing either a deep and rich sound or a resonant and immersive auditory experience, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron CM and Kailh NovelKeys Cream are both excellent options to consider. The CM switches stand out for their full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound profile, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job. They offer a bouncy typing experience due to their lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. They are described as low-pitched and resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the CM switches are also described as polished and creamy, providing reduced friction and a silky typing sensation. The NovelKeys Cream, on the other hand, is described as textured and invigorating, providing noticeable friction and pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more bass-heavy and bouncy typing experience (Gateron CM) or a heftier, low-pitched, and immersive typing experience (Kailh NovelKeys Cream).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more