TKC Kiwi vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinctive typing experiences. The Kiwi switch is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, it comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch that provides a heftier typing experience. It offers a fairly deep sound profile, deeper than the average switch but not overly so, resulting in a unique and immersive typing feel. Both switches have their advantages, with the Kiwi switch providing a tactile feedback and the Cream switch offering a buttery smooth linear experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in terms of their housing materials. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, while the Cream utilizes a POM top housing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi produces a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with this housing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Cream creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound experience, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a brighter and more resonant sound compared to the Cream's POM housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the TKC Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream integrates a POM bottom housing. Both materials have their unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switch. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Cream creates a deeper sound profile, adding a sense of depth to each keystroke. While the bottom housings of both switches have their distinct qualities, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing delivers a brighter and more resonant sound compared to the Cream's POM housing.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material between the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, their impact on the overall typing experience remains similar. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches provide a unique sensation upon pressing a key due to their different bottom housing materials. However, when it comes to the sound profile upon key release, the impact of the top housing is more prominent. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi and the POM top housing of the Cream each contribute to the sound when letting go of a key. Although the qualities of the top housing differ between the two switches, they both offer an enjoyable and distinct sound experience upon release.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams to fully press down.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the TKC Kiwi, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, which requires a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation force.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, individuals looking for a similar typing experience can expect similar results from both options. However, it is worth noting that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TKC Kiwi, making it the heftier option overall.
Travel distance
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile 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 equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Kiwi or the Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is best described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Kiwi switch falls into this category, offering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. It is considered neutral in terms of sound, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist using them at home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is also low-pitched but has a resonant sound profile. When typing on the Cream switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactile feedback, providing a more mild sensation compared to switches with a single, larger bump. The Kiwi switch also features a prominent amount of tactility, described as "medium tactile," which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish that contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is best described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. The Cream switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. It also has a textured feel with noticeable friction, preferred by some users, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Lastly, the Cream switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation.
Overall, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Cream switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience, whereas the Cream switch offers a buttery, textured, and invigorating sensation. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, these switches will provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, delivers a snappy sound profile, and offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, then the TKC Kiwi switch is the one for you. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams and is lightly factory lubed. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is the better choice. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams and offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, but the Kiwi has a neutral sound profile while the Cream has a resonant sound profile. In terms of feel, the Kiwi has a stepped and accented feel with a polished finish, while the Cream has a buttery and invigorating feel with a textured surface. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the type of switch (tactile or linear), the sound profile, and the typing feel that best suits your needs and preferences.
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