Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Cream switch is a linear switch that is renowned for its heftier typing experience and deep sound profile, making it stand out among other linear switches. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with a quieter typing sound, categorized as having a buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, invigorating feel. While the Cream switch offers a unique typing experience with its deep sound profile, the Spring Breeze provides a quieter but still satisfying clicky typing experience. However, let's delve 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches offer different qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Cream's POM top housing provides a unique sound profile with deeper and more muted tones, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. Both housing materials absorb sound to some extent, but the Cream's POM housing may provide a slightly different sound experience compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon housing.
The bottom housings of the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Spring Breeze also play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Cream's POM bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound profile and muted tones of the switch, while the Spring Breeze's nylon bottom housing adds to the fuller sound and softer feel of the switch. The differences in bottom housing materials can affect the typing experience, with the Cream potentially offering a more subdued sound compared to the fuller sound of the Spring Breeze.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches may result in distinct sound profiles and typing feels. While both switches use materials that absorb sound and contribute to a unique sound profile, the Cream's POM housing may provide a slightly different sound compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the NovelKeys Cream will require more force to register a keystroke initially. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream is also heavier at 70 grams, while the Spring Breeze is lighter at 55 grams. This indicates that the NovelKeys Cream will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Spring Breeze will be lighter and potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on both switches, users can expect a similar level of travel distance before the key registers. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, it's important to note that the NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke, while the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, offering an audible click sound with each press. Overall, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the tactile experience differs between the two.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a low-pitched tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. In terms of feel, these switches are described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth keystroke with pronounced feedback and a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have specific descriptors for sound or feel provided, making it difficult to directly compare to the NovelKeys Cream. However, it is important to consider that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the best switch for each individual. When comparing the available information, it is clear that the NovelKeys Cream linear switch may be more appealing to those seeking a deeper sound profile and a buttery, invigorating typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a test keyboard is the best way to determine which switch aligns with your preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and heavy linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter clicky switch with a lower bottom out force and a more subdued typing sound, then the Outemu Spring Breeze switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider what type of typing experience you are looking for and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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