Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the differences in their design and functionality. The Cream switch is a linear switch renowned for its heftier typing experience and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, with the Cream switch being described as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', and 'invigorating'. However, the Milk Blue switch lacks any specific descriptors. These general pointers can help you decide based on your personal preferences. 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 housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Milk Blue switches offer different sound profiles and characteristics. The Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate of the Milk Blue switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, the Cream switch with its POM bottom housing provides a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deep and full, contrasting with the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder effect.
Despite their differences, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Milk Blue switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials. The Cream switch utilizes POM for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and muted sound overall. Conversely, the Milk Blue switch combines a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp, high-pitched sound and a nylon bottom housing for a deeper, fuller sound. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound profile of a switch. While the Cream switch provides a consistent sound profile with its POM housing throughout, the Milk Blue switch combines the characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon for a more varied typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the different housing materials of the NovelKeys Cream and Outemu Milk Blue switches impact the sound and feel in various ways. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, with the Cream's POM bottom housing offering a deep and unique typing experience, and the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing providing a softer, more absorbent feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Cream's POM top housing creating a relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue contributes to a sharper and crisper sound upon key release. Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly affect the typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetics of the keyboard.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Cream requiring 70 grams and the Milk Blue force being unknown. The Cream switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Milk Blue switch offers a lighter actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Blue switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the NovelKeys Cream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similar travel distances of these switches result in a consistent typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Cream linear switch or the Milk Blue clicky switch, you can expect to feel the same level of travel distance when typing.
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 Milk 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
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deep and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. The switch also offers a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction in their keystrokes. Additionally, the Cream switch is said to be invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not available, making it challenging to draw a comparison. In considering all available information, it can be concluded that while the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a unique and satisfying typing experience in terms of both sound and feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue switch are unknown, making it difficult to determine how it stacks up against the Cream switch. Ultimately, for users seeking a deeper, low-pitched sound and a buttery, textured typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream switch may be the preferred choice, while the qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue switch remain a mystery.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is the way to go. These Cream switches offer a heftier typing experience and a low-pitched, resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a different auditory and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Consider your preferences and needs carefully before making a choice.
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