TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique advantages. The Gold Red Pro provides a versatile typing experience with its seamless key presses and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of uses such as gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a weightier typing experience with a deeper sound profile, adding a tactile dimension to your typing. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, we can see that the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing while the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate creating a sharper and crisper sound, while POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro allows for a clearer and resonant sound, especially when complemented with RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the NovelKeys Cream provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream also features a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and muted sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying sound experience through their respective bottom housing materials. The nylon and POM materials provide a rounder sound profile, contributing to a pleasant typing experience for users of both switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials, with nylon and POM creating a fuller and rounder sound profile. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound characteristics that can cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom-out force, making it difficult to determine the exact differences in pressure required for full keypress. The Gold Red Pro offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience, while the NovelKeys Cream provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro will offer a slightly quicker response time compared to the NovelKeys Cream. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Gold Red Pro for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the NovelKeys Cream with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer differences that can cater to individual preferences, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that is neutral in tone, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a deeper and more immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a more neutral sound and the Cream switch providing a deeper and resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is characterized as buttery, textured, and invigorating, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Gold Red Pro leans towards a more subtle and gentle feel, while the Cream switch provides a more invigorating and textured typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro provides a neutral and versatile sound and a smooth and subtle typing experience, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a deeper and more resonant sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, catering to users who prefer a more immersive and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a neutral sound profile that is versatile for various tasks, then the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more medium-heavy typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a buttery smooth feel, then the NovelKeys Cream switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision rests in your hands based on what type of typing experience you desire.
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