TTC Gold Pink vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. The Gold Pink is renowned for its lightweight feel with a 37g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fast and effortless typing or gaming experience. Additionally, it offers a satisfying level of feedback with its clacky sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a slightly heavier linear typing experience, giving users a sense of heftier keystrokes. It produces a fairly deep sound profile that adds some depth to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gold Pink has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate offers a higher-pitched sound while the NovelKeys Cream's POM produces a deeper tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. This transparency adds a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the POM top housing of the NovelKeys Cream does not offer the same level of translucency. However, both switches have unique design aspects that can enhance the overall look of a keyboard.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Gold Pink utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream also has a POM bottom housing, offering a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they provide a similar effect of producing a deeper sound compared to their respective top housings.
In summary, the TTC Gold Pink with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, with its POM top housing and POM bottom housing, yields a more muted and unique sound experience. While there are distinctions between these housing materials, both switches provide desirable qualities for keyboard enthusiasts seeking varied sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Gold Pink switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Pink switch has a force of 45 grams. This means that when pressing the key all the way down, there is still some resistance, albeit lighter than the actuation force. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is noticeably heavier than the Gold Pink. This means that when fully pressing down the key, there is a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
In terms of weight, the Gold Pink switch is lighter overall, making it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel and plan on using their keyboard for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the contrary, the NovelKeys Cream switch is heavier, catering to those who value a stronger push feel for a more robust typist experience.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Pink and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches differ significantly. The Gold Pink switch is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a lighter and more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream switch is noticeably heavier, giving a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is known for providing a clacky sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a satisfying level of feedback with a higher-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. While it is not overly deep, it does provide a fairly deep sound when typing on them. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound, the Gold Pink would be a suitable choice, while the Cream switch would provide a deeper sound experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that the keystrokes will feel smooth, effortless, and uniform. The light actuation force of 37g reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Cream switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. It provides a seamless and smooth typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. While some Cream switches may have noticeable friction, others may offer a smoother typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing feel, with the Gold Pink being exceptionally light and the Cream providing a more invigorating experience.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink provides a clacky sound profile and a light and lively typing experience, while the Cream switch offers a deeper sound profile and a heftier linear typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience, with the Gold Pink being exceptionally light and the Cream providing a more pronounced feedback. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a clacky sound and a light typing feel, the Gold Pink would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper sound and a more invigorating typing experience, the Cream switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its 37g actuation force, it is one of the lightest switches available, providing a fast and lively typing experience. The Gold Pink also offers a satisfying level of feedback with its clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be more suitable. With its 70g bottom out force, the Cream switches offer a heftier typing experience while still maintaining a smooth and uniform keystroke. Additionally, the Cream switches provide a low-pitched and resonant sound profile for an immersive auditory experience. Overall, your choice between the Gold Pink and the Cream switches will depend on whether you prioritize a light and lively typing experience or a medium-heavy, deeper sound profile.
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