Kailh Box Jade vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinctive typing experiences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing feel, accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and a pronounced tactile bump. Known for their high-pitched and accented nature, these switches offer an invigorating and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches are ideal for those who prefer a heavier linear typing experience. With a fairly deep sound profile that is not overly pronounced, these switches provide a buttery and textured feel that is both low-pitched and resonant. Both switches offer unique qualities and are a great addition to any mechanical keyboard, but let's dive deeper into their specifics to help you decide on the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinctly different sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are unique in their own right, they offer distinct sound experiences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. The POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream offers a similar experience, with its ability to produce a pleasing and unique sound. Although both bottom housings have different materials, they contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch when pressed.
Despite their differences, both switches share similarities in their housing materials. Both the Box Jade and the NovelKeys Cream utilize POM for their top housing, contributing to their ability to produce deep and muted sounds. Additionally, both switches offer a unique and aesthetically pleasing experience. However, the distinction lies in the specific qualities each material brings to the switch and the overall sound profile. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Therefore, although the materials may be the same, the final results differ, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cream's 55 grams. Similarly, the Box Jade has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Cream's 70 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter weight can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience would gravitate towards the Cream switch. The Cream switch's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Overall, the Box Jade clicky switch and the NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to find their preferred typing experience. If one prefers a lighter feel, the Box Jade would be a suitable option, while those seeking a heavier typing experience would opt for the Cream switch.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the NovelKeys Cream falls within the typical range of 4.0mm, while the Box Jade is slightly shorter.
For gamers or those seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may be preferred. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key activations, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming or situations where quick reflexes are crucial. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the NovelKeys Cream with its longer travel distance may be a better fit, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. If responsiveness and speed are prioritized, the Box Jade's shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream will likely deliver superior results.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best described as high-pitched and crunchy. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, and the sound profile can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is described as accented and invigorating. These switches offer a prominent amount of tactility, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience without being overwhelming. The tactile feedback is not as pronounced as a hypertactile switch, but it is still noticeable. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Some users may prefer the subtle texture and noticeable friction these switches provide, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jades provide a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and accented tactile feedback. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, buttery keystrokes, and noticeable texture. Both switches provide an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a satisfying amount of tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that make typing a joyous experience. Additionally, if you enjoy high-pitched and crunchy sound profiles, the Box Jade switches would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear typing experience with a slightly deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be the better option. With their medium-heavy bottom out force and low-pitched resonant sound profile, these switches provide a unique auditory experience. They also offer a buttery and textured typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for clicky or linear switches, as well as the specific sound and feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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