TTC Gold Silver vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive bottom-out with each keystroke and a smooth journey from press to bottoming out. Its resonant sound signature adds to the overall experience, making it a polished, thocky switch with a low-pitched and silky feel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that is invigorating and textured. While the Cream switches may not be as swift as the Gold Silver, they provide a different tactile experience that some users may prefer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a unique combination of characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder overall sound profile. This combination allows for a balanced typing experience with a mix of clear and resonant sounds.
In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream features POM material for both the top and bottom housing. This results in a consistent sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, offering a quieter typing experience compared to the Gold Silver. The POM material provides a unique sound that is more pleasing to some users, with a focus on deeper tones rather than sharpness or crispness. While the Cream may not have the sharpness of the Gold Silver, its consistent sound profile throughout both top and bottom housing can provide a more cohesive typing experience.
Overall, while both the TTC Gold Silver and Kailh NovelKeys Cream offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, their differences lie in the specific qualities they bring to the typing experience. The Gold Silver's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balance between sharpness and depth, while the Cream's POM material provides a consistent and pleasing sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force differs between the two. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier 55 grams of force to actuate. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, whereas the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier in comparison. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing experience with the Gold Silver, while the NovelKeys Cream may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the NovelKeys Cream. Gamers may prefer the Gold Silver for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the NovelKeys Cream with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound that provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience. The switch's sound profile is neutral, offering a balanced tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch produces a low-pitched and resonant sound, which is clean, sharp, and immersive. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Gold Silver lean towards a deeper and richer tone, whereas the Cream provides a more resonant and higher-pitched sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and quiet operation. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel, giving a smooth and fluid keystroke with noticeable friction for added tactility. The Cream switch's invigorating nature adds pronounced feedback and a reactive feel, creating an engaging typing sensation. While the Gold Silver emphasizes smoothness and subtlety, the Cream focuses on buttery fluidity and tactile feedback.
When considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid and responsive typing experience with a deep and thocky sound signature. It offers a polished and subtle feel that is smooth and refined, making it suitable for those looking for a fluid and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier typing experience with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. It provides a buttery and invigorating feel with noticeable friction for added tactility, catering to those seeking a smooth and engaging typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with distinct experiences based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers rapid responsiveness, a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a polished and silky typing feel, then the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing feel, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences in sound and feel. Choose wisely based on what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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