TTC Flame Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Flame Red switch stands out for its stunning visuals, featuring a captivating light diffuser that is perfect for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a distinct clacky sound profile. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Flame Reds are categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Cream switches are described as buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, and invigorating. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches showcase both similarities and differences in terms of sound profiles and material properties.

Starting with the top housings, the Flame Red switch features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream switch utilizes a POM top housing, creating a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials provide a deeper sound, the Cream's POM top housing seemingly offers a more distinctive audio experience.

Turning to the bottom housings, both switches utilize the same nylon material. Therefore, they share the characteristic of elicitind a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for increased sound absorption, thus creating a more muffled and well-rounded sound. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream switch employs a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing an incredibly satisfying sound profile. However, the exact qualities of the Cream's POM bottom housing in terms of sound and feel are not explicitly described.

In summary, although the top housings differ between the TTC Flame Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches, both materials aim to deliver a deeper and fuller sound experience. In contrast, the bottom housings are made of the same nylon material in both switches, ensuring a consistent and muffled sound profile. Therefore, while the sound characteristics may vary between the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth and impact when using either of these switches.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there is a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. When it comes to bottoming out, the Flame Red has a force of 54 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires a higher force of 70 grams. This indicates that typing on the Cream switch will result in a more pronounced and firmer keystroke bottom out compared to the Flame Red. Overall, the Flame Red offers a medium-light typing experience, whereas the NovelKeys Cream provides a medium-heavy feel. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a satisfying and reliable keystroke, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of accuracy and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying level of feedback and actuation, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a shorter travel distance. Whether you choose the TTC Flame Red or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile experience and key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switches offer a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level and actuation force, making them suitable for various purposes and users. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches have a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, they are described as resonant, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switches offer a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle feeling without any pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, they are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, it is important to consider that some users may prefer switches with noticeable friction, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.

Based on the available information, the Flame Red and NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Reds have a neutral sound profile with weighty smoothness and a clacky sound, and they provide a mild typing experience with a polished finish. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a fairly deep sound. They offer a buttery and invigorating typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a similar experience, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel by considering switches with similar descriptors and characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prioritize visual appeal and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice for you, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would better suit your preferences. In terms of sound, the Flame Red provides a neutral and moderate profile suitable for various scenarios, while the Cream offers a low-pitched and resonant tone for a more mellow and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, while the Cream provides a buttery, textured, and invigorating sensation. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for visuals, sound, and feel to ensure an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more