Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Oreo are two popular options that provide distinctly different typing experiences. The Cream switches offer a heftier linear experience, boasting a deep sound profile and a textured feel. On the other hand, the Oreo switches provide a more tactile experience, with a crisp and responsive bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. While these general descriptions can help you make an initial decision, let's dive deeper into the specific attributes and characteristics of each switch to help you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Oreo have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Cream utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Oreo features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it especially suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of aesthetics, the Cream's POM housing does not offer the same translucency as the Oreo's polycarbonate housing. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing RGB lighting effect. On the other hand, the Cream's POM housing provides a more solid and opaque appearance.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role. The Cream's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound and a relatively more muted feel when bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the impact of the bottom-out sound and provides a crisper feel. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Cream's POM top housing contributes to a pleasing and unique sound, the Oreo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are let go.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Oreo depends on personal preference for the sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches offer distinctive characteristics due to their different housing materials, providing users with a varied typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. This means that the Oreo switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter and faster typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream switch has a higher force of 70 grams compared to the Oreo's 55 grams. This indicates that the Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to fully depress the key. For those who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing feel, the Cream switch would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the weight preferences of individuals play a significant role in their switch selection. Some may opt for a lighter actuation and bottom out force to enable them to type for extended periods without fatigue, making the Oreo switch ideal. Conversely, those who appreciate a heavier keystroke and a more robust typing experience would gravitate towards the Cream switch.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of movement. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect a travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring that your keystrokes are accurate and responsive.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a deep and mellow tone, providing a pleasant auditory experience during typing. Additionally, the resonant nature of the switch creates a clean and sharp sound profile, immersing the user in the typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has been described as chirpy. This unique acoustic signature sets it apart from other switches, adding a little squeak to the typing sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Cream is often described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. The buttery characteristic indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, where typing feels seamless and effortless. The textured aspect refers to the presence of noticeable friction when pressing the switch, offering a preference for some users who enjoy a subtle texture in their typing experience. Finally, the invigorating nature of the switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is often described as accented and stepped. The accented attribute describes a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The stepped characteristic indicates that the switch has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke.
Taking all the available information into account, the NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile and a smooth, textured, and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned bottom-out sensation, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. While the two switches have different characteristics, it is possible to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup. It's important to consider factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and personal typing style when choosing between these switches to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier linear typing experience and enjoys a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a satisfying keystroke and requiring a bit more actuation force. The low-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Cream switches adds an immersive auditory experience to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile typing experience with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo switches are the right fit for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing. The subtle, mellow sound profile of the Oreos adds a pleasing acoustic signature to your keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Everglide Oreo switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Both options offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience with either the Creams or Oreos.
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