KTT Kang White vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Kang White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Kang White is a linear switch that is best known for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, resulting in a dazzling typing sound. Additionally, the switch's self-lubricating material provides an unparalleled smoothness while typing. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is also a linear switch and offers a heftier linear typing experience. Typing on these switches produces a fairly deep sound profile, deeper than the average switch but not overly so. The Cream switches are categorized as buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, and invigorating. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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 KTT Kang White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in the materials used for their top housings. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enables a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream uses a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound. The POM housing contributes to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the Kang White. However, both switches offer the advantage of using translucent materials in their top housing, making them compatible with RGB lighting.
The differences in the bottom housing materials of the Kang White and the NovelKeys Cream are less stark. The Kang White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream also employs a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Both bottom housings play a significant role in the switch's overall sound profile and feel. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Although the Kang White and the NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, they still share some similarities in their sound profiles. Both switches aim to create a pleasing and unique sound experience. While the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches' nylon and POM bottom housings contribute to a fuller sound profile, with the nylon housing of the Kang White producing a slightly duller sound compared to the POM housing of the Cream. Despite these differences and similarities, both switches offer quality and distinct sound experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kang White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cream's actuation force of 55 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Kang White may make it preferable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or for longer typing sessions.
In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White has a force of 58 grams, while the Cream has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Bottoming out refers to pressing the key all the way down, and the Cream's higher bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Kang White. This heavier force may be appealing to typists who enjoy a stronger push feel or prefer a more tactile feedback.
Overall, the Kang White offers a lighter actuation force and a medium bottom out force, providing a balance between ease of typing and a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Cream provides a heavier actuation and bottom out force, delivering a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kang White, while those seeking a heavier and more tactile feel might lean towards the Cream. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Kang White 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 with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
The Kang White linear switch is best known for its dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness. Its low-pitched sound profile offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. However, without specific information on its feel, we cannot make a direct comparison to the NovelKeys Cream switch in this aspect.
On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. With its low-pitched and resonant characteristics, it offers a clean and sharp sound. The feel of the Cream switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it offers a uniform typing sensation and may be invigorating with a moderate to firm actuation force, indicating pronounced feedback and a snappy feel.
Overall, both switches have low-pitched sound profiles, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feeling, while we don't have specific information on the Kang White switch, the NovelKeys Cream switch is buttery and textured, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Without more details, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in terms of feel.
However, based on the information provided, if you are looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile, both the Kang White and the NovelKeys Cream switches can provide similar results. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and desired typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Kang White would be a great choice. Its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch provides a dazzling typing sound, and the self-lubricating material gives it an unparalleled smoothness when typing. In terms of sound, the Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a better fit. These Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. They are also low-pitched but have a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kang White's description is not provided, but the NovelKeys Cream is described as buttery and textured. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. However, it is important to note that some users might prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience over a textured one.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Kang White and Kailh NovelKeys Cream will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. Whether you prefer a medium or medium-heavy bottom out force, a poppy or heftier sound profile, or a smoother or textured feel, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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