Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Bsun Olive stand out as top contenders in the market. The NovelKeys Cream offers a hefty linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, making it perfect for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive provides a unique tactile feedback with a resonant, deep sound that sets it apart from other switches. The Olive's all-POM housings and long pole stem ensure a crisp bottom-out and a sharp tactile feel. While the Cream switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', the Olive switch is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Bsuns Olive are both made of POM, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This similarity in material suggests that both switches are likely to provide a similar tactile experience when it comes to keypresses and releases. However, the distribution of these qualities may differ between the top and bottom housings of each switch. The bottom housing is said to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Despite their shared POM material, the NovelKeys Cream and the Bsuns Olive may exhibit subtle differences in sound and feel due to the distribution of their housing qualities. The NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing can be expected to contribute to a distinct sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing affects the overall feel and sound during keypresses. Similarly, the Olive switch is likely to offer a similar experience, with the POM top and bottom housings each playing a role in the tactile feedback and overall sound profile of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Bsuns Olive highlight the importance of design and material choice in mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches feature POM housings that create a unique sound profile, the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings may lead to subtle differences in the tactile experience of each switch. As such, enthusiasts and users may find that the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the Olive is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cream's 55 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 70 grams for the Cream and 65 grams for the Olive, making them both medium-heavy in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Olive may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the Cream's heavier actuation force could provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing speed and comfort.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Olive provides a shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Cream for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may favor the Olive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel. Given the slight difference in travel distance, users can expect slightly different experiences when typing or gaming with each switch.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
Overall, when comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Cream switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a deep and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Olive switch boasts a resonant sound with a unique tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying and crisp bottom-out sensation. Both switches offer a different sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on the user's preference and setup.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as providing a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by an accented and sharp tactile feedback, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches deliver a unique tactile feel that can cater to different typing preferences, whether someone prefers a smoother and more uniform experience or a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch provides a deeper and mellower sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the Olive switch delivers a resonant sound and a sharp tactile feedback that is accented and invigorating. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience, as well as other factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a deep, low-pitched sound profile with a buttery and invigorating keystroke experience, the NovelKeys Cream may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant, high-pitched sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback and accented feel, the Bsun Olive switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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