Durock Medium Tactile vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile 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 that often come up in discussions are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. Both switches offer unique characteristics and experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its distinct yet well-balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a jelly-like sound signature, which adds a touch of uniqueness to the typing sound. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is known for its hefty linear typing experience. Typing on these switches results in a deep sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory feedback. These switches are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing, producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the Medium Tactile. While both offer unique sound experiences, the Cream's POM creates a more distinct and subdued sound compared to the Tactile's polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Cream also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to the deep and muted sound profile it is known for. While both switches produce a pleasing and unique sound, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing gives it a slightly bolder and more resonant sound compared to the Cream's POM bottom housing.
When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. While the Medium Tactile's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a distinct sound experience throughout the entire keystroke, the Cream's combination of POM in both the top and bottom housing creates a more consistent and subdued sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Medium Tactile offers a slightly more dynamic and resonant sound due to its combined housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are a few notable differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is currently unavailable, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force, with the Durock Medium Tactile at 65 grams and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream at 70 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, as its lower actuation force allows for a more effortless typing experience, especially during longer periods of use. This would be particularly advantageous for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing feel might opt for the Durock Medium Tactile, which may offer a greater actuation force.
While the actuation force for the Durock Medium Tactile remains unknown, it is likely that it falls within the range of medium-heavy force, similar to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream's bottom out force. Therefore, those seeking similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes may find both switches to be equally suitable options. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar tactile experience and provide the same amount of distance for users to feel when pressing down on a key. While the specific mechanisms of the switches may differ, both the Medium Tactile and the NovelKeys Cream offer a consistent 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing or gaming experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a notable jelly-like sound signature. Although the specific details are not provided, this sound profile suggests a softer and slightly bouncier sound when typing on this switch. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as having a fairly deep sound profile. This indicates that it produces a low-pitched sound, which is typically characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, when typing on the Cream switch, it offers a resonant sound profile that is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, providing an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch encompasses multiple descriptors. It is classified as an accented switch, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as a stepped switch, offering a two-stage keystroke experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel compared to the entire keystroke being a single bump. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience without overly pronounced characteristics. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is characterized as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. While no other specific qualities are mentioned, this indicates that the Cream switch prioritizes smoothness and provides a friction-free typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a softer and slightly bouncier sound, while the Cream switch has a deep sound profile with resonant characteristics. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers a prominent yet balanced tactility, a stepped keystroke experience, a mild typing sensation, and a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Cream switch provides a buttery and smooth typing experience with a uniform sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Medium Tactile emphasizing tactility and the Cream prioritizing smoothness. It is worth noting that actual results may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, this medium-heavy switch provides a solid typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heftier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented and stepped tactile feedback, providing a mild and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery and textured keystroke, giving you a smooth and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
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