Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent White both fall under the category of linear switches, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. The NovelKeys Cream is popular for its unique heftiness in typing experience and a deep sound profile, making it stand out among linear switches. On the other hand, the Silent White remains silent throughout typing sessions, ensuring minimal noise levels. While the NovelKeys Cream is praised for its buttery feel and low-pitched sound, the Silent White is known for its quiet operation. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent White switches, one noticeable difference is the use of POM in the NovelKeys Cream's top and bottom housing, while the Silent White utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. POM is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, whereas polycarbonate creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent White provides a fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Cream.
Another point of contrast between the two switches lies in the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent White contributes to a deeper and rounder sound when typing, while the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream may offer a slightly different typing feel and sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White, being stiffer and clearer, affects the sound profile when releasing a key, in contrast to the POM top housing of the Cream, which creates a more muted sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound profile and feel when using the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent White switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, with the Cream showcasing a deeper and more muted sound due to its POM housing, while the Silent White produces a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the NovelKeys Cream has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to individuals who enjoy a lighter touch while typing. The NovelKeys Cream provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Outemu Silent White offers a medium typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages - with the NovelKeys Cream offering a more tactile typing experience, while the Outemu Silent White provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The NovelKeys Cream offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White provides a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the NovelKeys Cream will give you a slightly more pronounced key press compared to the more subtle feel of the Outemu Silent White. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deep and immersive sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. It also has a textured feel, providing a tactile sensation that some users may prefer. With an invigorating feedback, this switch offers moderate to firm actuation force, making typing feel snappy and reactive. However, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this area.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch stands out for its heftier linear typing experience, deep sound profile, and buttery, textured feel that offers an invigorating typing sensation. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remain unknown, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard build and keycap selection when choosing between these switches to ensure the best typing experience for the individual user. If the Silent White switch offers similar characteristics to the Cream switch, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following factors: If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deep, low-pitched and resonant sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Outemu Silent White switch with its medium bottom out force might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
