Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch that offers a hefty typing experience with a deep sound profile. Categorized as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', and 'invigorating', these switches provide a unique tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving a precise and comfortable typing experience. Categorized as 'buttery', 'mild', 'stepped', 'muted', 'subtle', and 'polished', these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Bluish White, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles. The NovelKeys Cream, with its POM top housing, creates a deeper and more muted sound. This can result in a more subdued typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This can provide a more distinct and satisfying typing feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM material which again creates a deeper and more muted sound. This consistency throughout the switch housing material ensures a cohesive typing experience with a focus on smoothness and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. This can make typing on the Silent Bluish White switches feel more substantial and satisfying, with a softer and deeper sound.
While the top and bottom housing materials of these switches differ, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Silent Bluish White offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a more muted and deeper sound, the NovelKeys Cream with its POM housing is a great choice. Conversely, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing can deliver a satisfying typing experience. It's worth noting that both switches consider the impact of their respective housing materials on the sound when a key is released, further enhancing the overall auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it becomes evident that they have notable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the NovelKeys Cream is 70 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White only requires 50 grams.
These variances in force exertion contribute to distinct typing experiences. The NovelKeys Cream, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience. It requires a slightly heavier push, which may be preferred by those seeking a sense of solidity and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, resulting in a smoother and more effortless typing experience. This lighter touch can be advantageous for individuals who desire extended typing sessions without fatigue.
Considering the aspect of weight, it becomes evident that both switches offer options for different preferences. The Kailh NovelKeys Cream is relatively heavier compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it a desirable choice for those who prefer a lighter switch.
In conclusion, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, they offer unique typing experiences catered to individual preferences. Whether one prefers a heavier or a lighter touch, both switches provide options to suit their needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Cream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The NovelKeys Cream falls within the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, offering a deeper and more deliberate key press. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White, with its shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, is more favored by gamers who prioritize quicker response times. The shorter travel distance allows for swift and precise key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is known for providing a heftier linear typing experience compared to other switches. When typing on these switches, users can expect a fairly deep sound profile that is deeper than the average switch, but not overly so. The sound of the NovelKeys Cream can be described as low-pitched and resonant, with a clean and sharp sound profile. It offers an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is considered buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Overall, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance. When pressed, these switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their medium tactility, the Silent Bluish White switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. In terms of sound, the Silent Bluish White switches are described as muted. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the subjective qualities of the sound profile for this switch are not further described.
In comparison, the sound profiles and feels of the NovelKeys Cream and Silent Bluish White switches differ. The NovelKeys Cream offers a deeper and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Bluish White provides a muted sound. Both switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the NovelKeys Cream switch is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The Silent Bluish White switch, on the other hand, is described as mild and stepped, providing a more gentle typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a subtle typing resistance suitable for shared spaces. Overall, these two switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with options based on their preferences.
If you are looking for a deep and resonant sound profile with an invigorating typing feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a mild and stepped feel, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a better option. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out different switches firsthand or listen to sound tests to determine which switch would best suit your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavier linear typing experience and a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. The low-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Cream switches creates an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience with their medium tactile feel. The Silent Bluish Whites are also designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use.
Both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often described as buttery. However, the Cream switches have a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed, while the Silent Bluish Whites offer a mild and gentle typing experience. The Cream switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound, while the Silent Bluish Whites produce a softer and quieter sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier linear switch with a deeper sound profile, go for the Cream switches. But if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a quieter sound, the Silent Bluish Whites would be the better choice. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience that align with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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