Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that they offer different typing experiences. The Cream switch is a linear switch, known for its heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile that is not overly loud. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch, offering a tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Blue switches offer a stark difference in their housing materials. The Cream features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cream's POM bottom housing produces a similar deep and muted sound profile, whereas the Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the clear and resonant profile of the Cream's POM bottom housing.
The choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. With the Cream switch, users can expect a more unique and pleasing sound due to the POM top and bottom housings. The deeper and muted sound profile creates a distinct typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter switch. In contrast, the Blue switch with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings offers a crisper and sharper sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more clicky and tactile typing experience. The different qualities of the housing materials cater to varying preferences in sound and feel, providing users with options to customize their mechanical keyboard experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Blue switches showcase the impact of material choice on sound profiles. While both switches offer unique typing experiences, the Cream's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Blue's polycarbonate and nylon housings produce a sharper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a quieter and more pleasant typing experience with the Cream switch, or a more clicky and tactile experience with the Blue switch. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Blue's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the NovelKeys Cream is also heavier at 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue is unknown. This means that the NovelKeys Cream provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Blue, on the other hand, may offer a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for typing feel, with some users preferring the lighter actuation of the Outemu Blue for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation of the NovelKeys Cream for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch is 4mm. This means that they both offer the same typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from top to bottom when pressed. Both switches provide a consistent and predictable typing feel, making them suitable for various typing tasks. However, it is worth noting that while both switches have the same travel distance, they offer different tactile feedback due to their design. The Cream switch offers a smooth and linear typing experience, while the Blue switch provides a clicky and tactile feedback with an audible click sound. Overall, while their travel distances are the same, the typing experience between the two switches may vary based on personal preferences for linear or clicky 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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience. These switches produce a deep and clean sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's hard to compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Typing on these switches feels smooth, fluid, and provides a uniform feedback with a moderate actuation force. Additionally, they offer a subtle texture that some users may prefer. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the NovelKeys Cream in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch stands out for its deep sound profile and buttery, invigorating typing feel. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Blue clicky switch are unknown, it is likely that the NovelKeys Cream would provide a more satisfying and immersive typing experience overall. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it is essential to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience to determine which one would best suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavy linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky typing experience with a lighter touch, the Outemu Blue switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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