Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Oil King. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. The NovelKeys Cream is known for its heftier linear typing experience, offering a deeper sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to a snapping dark chocolate bar. While these general attributes can help narrow down your options, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a fuller and deeper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM material, similar to its top housing. This contributes to the switch's deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King employs its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This particular blend provides a clacky and satisfying typing experience, offering a distinct sound profile compared to the Cream.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, the NovelKeys Cream and Gateron Oil King vary in terms of their sound and feel. The bottom housing, whether POM or INK blend, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing leaves a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a clacky and higher-pitched sound, both switches deliver noticeable and enjoyable results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed when typing or gaming with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Oil King, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the NovelKeys Cream, as it offers a slightly heavier force when pressing the switch all the way down.
On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions may find the Gateron Oil King more suitable, as it has a slightly lighter bottom out force. This can help reduce fatigue and make it easier to type or game for extended periods of time.
Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose between a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Gateron Oil King 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 feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile sensation and feedback from 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, although not overly so. It is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile is also resonant, resulting in a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also offers invigorating feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. These qualities create an immersive typing sensation. The Oil King linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. The sound of the Oil King switch is also low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. In terms of feel, the Oil King switch is described as creamy and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Oil King linear switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. They have similar low-pitched sound profiles, although the Cream switch has a resonant sound while the Oil King switch has a bassy sound. Both switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with the Cream switch offering invigorating feedback and the Oil King switch being exceptionally smooth. When it comes to choosing between the two, it depends on personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel qualities desired. However, both switches are highly regarded and will provide similar satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a heftier typing experience, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be a good choice for you. These Cream switches offer a deep sound profile and a clean and sharp sound when typing on them. In terms of feel, the Cream switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, then the Gateron Oil King switch would be the better option for you. The Oil Kings switches also have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, the Oil Kings switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Oil King switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper, clean and sharp sound with a seamless and uniform typing sensation, then the NovelKeys Cream switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a buttery smoothness with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch is the better option. Consider your desired typing experience and select the switch that best matches your preferences.
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