KTT Lightning vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the KTT Lightning and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Lightning switches are well-known for their "speed" capabilities, making them an ideal choice for gamers seeking the competitive edge. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, these switches offer a satisfying and responsive experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches deliver a weightier linear typing experience. They produce a deep, resonant sound, providing a unique and invigorating typing experience. While both switches have their merits, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which one suits your preferences best.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$3.41 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Lightning and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, producing a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Cream utilizes a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound. While the Cream's sound profile is unique and pleasing, it lacks the sharpness and clarity associated with polycarbonate.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Lightning utilizes a nylon material, giving rise to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softness, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder profile. Similarly, the Cream employs a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound. In terms of sound profile, both switches share similarities, offering a deeper tone. However, the Cream's sound might be further muted compared to the Lightning due to the characteristics of POM.

When considering the overall sound experience, the choice of top and bottom housing materials in a switch contributes differently. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning will influence the switch's sound during typing, creating a deeper and fuller experience. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. In this regard, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning will produce a sharper and more resonant sound upon key release. While the Cream also utilizes POM for its top and bottom housing, its overall sound profile is likely to have a more muted nature compared to the Lightning due to POM's characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Lightning switch provides a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a slightly heavier feel, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, falling within the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lightweight switch, the KTT Lightning switch would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless and comfortable typing, particularly during extended periods of use. This makes it an ideal option for those who need to type for extended periods at work or engage in long gaming sessions.

In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push force. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a tactile feedback that some find satisfying and more substantial. The heavier forces can provide a more deliberate and deliberate keystroke, making it a popular choice among those seeking enhanced precision and a more pronounced typing feel.

Overall, the choice between the KTT Lightning switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, with the Lightning switch offering a lighter touch and the Cream switch providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing the appropriate switch will depend on a user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Cream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning's 3 mm travel distance falls into the category of a more shallow switch, while the Cream's 4 mm travel distance is considered the more traditional option. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Lightning. On the other hand, those who desire a greater sense of depth when pressing a key might find the longer travel distance of the Cream more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning switch is best described as clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Lightning switch is more on the high-pitched and clacky side, the Cream switch provides a deeper sound without being overly so. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery and textured typing sensation. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing seamless and effortless. Some users might prefer the subtle texture that the Cream switch offers, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the Cream switch can be described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.

Based on the available information, it is clear that the KTT Lightning and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches have distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile and subtle, polished feel, while the Cream switch offers a deeper sound and a buttery, textured feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound and a sleek typing experience, the Lightning switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and resonant sound with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Cream switch would be more suitable.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that excels in speed and responsiveness, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and slick type feel, these switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between winning and losing. The clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy typing feel that can provide a sense of stability and control. The Cream switches also produce a fairly deep sound, making them stand out from the average switch without being overly resonant. Overall, the Lightning switch prioritizes speed and a slick type feel, while the Cream switch focuses on a heavier typing experience and a deeper sound profile. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more