Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The NovelKeys Cream is praised for its heftier linear typing experience and deep sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Green switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Cream featuring a POM top and bottom housing while the Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The POM housing of the Cream creates a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Green allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding to the overall aesthetic of the switch.
In terms of functionality, the different housing materials impact the sound and feel of the switches in distinct ways. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, meaning the POM bottom housing of the Cream will offer a unique tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound produced when a key is released, with the POM top housing of the Cream providing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound created by the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green.
Overall, while the housing materials of the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Green switches differ in terms of POM and polycarbonate, respectively, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the Cream's POM housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Silent Green's polycarbonate housing, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Additionally, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housings can also influence the overall aesthetic of the switch, especially when considering the use of RGB lighting with a clear housing material like polycarbonate.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Green is lighter in both categories. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison to the Silent Green, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the NovelKeys Cream provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they offer the same typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Cream or the Silent Green, you can expect to get similar results in terms of keystroke depth and overall typing feel. It's worth noting that having the same travel distance can provide consistency in typing experience across different keyboards, which can be beneficial for users who value uniformity in their typing feel. Despite the similarities, it's important to consider other factors such as actuation force and noise level when choosing between these two 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 Silent Green 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 NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deep and immersive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches' sound profiles can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is known for its buttery, textured, and invigorating typing sensation, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke experience with noticeable feedback and moderate actuation force. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unknown, making it challenging to compare it directly to the NovelKeys Cream in this regard. Nevertheless, a similar typing experience can be achieved by selecting switches with similar design and attributes.
Overall, the NovelKeys Cream linear switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, as well as its buttery and invigorating typing feel. While specific information about the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unavailable, individuals looking for a switch with similar qualities to the NovelKeys Cream may benefit from experimenting with switches that offer low-pitched, resonant sound profiles and invigorating typing sensations. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the best switch for each individual's typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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