Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Peach (V3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Peach (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Peach. The NovelKeys Cream offers a unique linear typing experience that is known for its heftiness. Typing on these switches produces a deep sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is renowned for its lightweight and silent nature. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches provide distinctive characteristics for keyboard users. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic and softer switch housing material. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches offer a deeper sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing may result in a slightly more muted tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This creates a cohesive sound experience throughout the keystroke. As mentioned before, the POM housing contributes to the unique and pleasing sound, with a deeper and more muted profile. Conversely, the Outemu Peach employs a nylon bottom housing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, enhancing the overall sound profile of the switch by adding depth and fullness. Similar to the top housing, the nylon material in the Outemu Peach's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound.
While the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Outemu Peach differ in their housing materials, they both excel in providing a deeper and enhanced sound profile. The POM housings in the NovelKeys Cream contribute to a unique sound experience that is pleasing to the user, with a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon materials used in the Outemu Peach's top and bottom housing create a fuller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound due to its softness. Despite their differences, both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The NovelKeys Cream has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Outemu Peach, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may find the NovelKeys Cream more suitable.
In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream again proves to be heavier, with a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Outemu Peach has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This suggests that the NovelKeys Cream offers a more pronounced resistance when fully pressed down, providing a more tactile feedback compared to the lighter and softer bottom out of the Outemu Peach.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. In this case, the Outemu Peach with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. However, for those who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be the preferred choice.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, providing a more tactile and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, offering a softer and lighter keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Peach. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream is more in line with the traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu Peach is slightly shallower, which may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel of the key press.
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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 profile. The deep sound it produces is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch has a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it more suitable for environments where noise reduction is important. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for the feel, typing on the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery and invigorating experience. The keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and effortless, giving a seamless typing sensation. Additionally, these switches offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, typing on the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle experience. These switches have a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making them approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch further enhances the smoothness and refinement, ensuring a sleek typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is best known for its heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch is known for its lightweight and silenced nature, providing a feathery light typing experience with a neutral, muted sound profile and a mild, subtle feel. While they offer different subjective qualities, both switches cater to linear lovers and provide enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a heftier linear feel and a clean, low-pitched and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a gentle typing feel and a more muted sound, the Outemu Peach switches are perfect for you. These switches are very lightweight and silenced, providing a subtle and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Cream and Outemu Peach switches depends on your preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force, so choose the one that suits your preferences best.
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