Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Orange offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Cream switches provide a heftier linear typing experience, with a deep sound profile that is both satisfying and invigorating. On the other hand, the Orange switches offer a bouncy type feel, thanks to their 22mm long spring, and a slick, frictionless typing experience with their polycarbonate milky top housing and POM stem. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Orange differ in terms of their housing materials. The Cream features a POM top and bottom housing, while the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This distinction in materials significantly affects the sound profile produced by each switch. The Cream's POM housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound, producing a pleasing and unique sound profile. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for those intending to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the housing materials of the Cream and Orange differ, they both offer unique sound profiles. The Cream, with its POM housing, provides a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Orange. However, the Orange's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches promise an enjoyable auditory experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when selecting between the Cream and Orange, as the POM and polycarbonate housing will provide distinct sound characteristics that may appeal to different individuals.
When pressing down on either the Cream or Orange switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing material become noticeable. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback experienced while typing or gaming. Thus, the choice between the POM and polycarbonate bottom housing becomes crucial in determining the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of considering the desired sound profile and tactile feedback when selecting between the Cream and Orange switches, particularly taking into account the impact of the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The NovelKeys Cream has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream requires a force of 70 grams, whereas the Orange only requires 53 grams. This indicates that the Cream switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Orange provides a lighter and less resistive typing sensation. These differences give users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. However, if someone desires a similar result, they could opt for the Orange switch as it offers a comparable actuation force and bottom out force, albeit slightly lighter overall.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we find that the NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The NovelKeys Cream offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange provides a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance may seem small, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Orange switch a favorable choice in this regard. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may find the 4 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 is best known for providing a heftier linear typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a fairly deep sound profile that is deeper than the average switch but not overly so. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing. The Orange switch provides a slick and frictionless typing experience, with excellent factory-lubing ensuring refined and smooth key travel. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Comparing the sound qualities of both switches, the NovelKeys Cream is described as low-pitched and resonant. Low-pitched switches typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, a resonant switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. The Orange switch, on the other hand, is also described as low-pitched. Therefore, both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, although the Cream switch may have a slightly deeper sound due to its heftier typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Cream is known for its buttery, textured, and invigorating qualities. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Textured switches may have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the Cream switch offers an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Moreover, the Orange switch ensures a frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and maximizing smoothness with its fluid travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch provides a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, a buttery and invigorating feel, as well as some textured qualities. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, a slick and frictionless feel, and a bouncy typing experience. Although both switches have low-pitched sound profiles, they provide distinct characteristics in terms of feel. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be the better choice for you. These switches provide a buttery and textured keystroke experience, with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. They offer a low-pitched, resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange switch would be more suitable. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile and come with a 22mm long spring for a spring-like feedback sensation. With their polycarbonate milky top housing and excellent factory-lubing, they offer a slick and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Cream and KTT Orange switches will depend on your preference for typing force, sound profile, and key feel.
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