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Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Peach

An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Peach, both of which are linear switches. The NovelKeys Cream is widely recognized for providing a robust and weighty linear typing experience. When using this switch, one can expect a satisfyingly deep sound profile that adds a unique texture to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach offers a different set of qualities that make it appealing to many users. With a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Peach switch provides a pleasant and neutral typing feel. While these general pointers can undoubtedly help in making an initial decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific typing needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

53g

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

No

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

13mm progressive spring

Housing materials

The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Peach use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Peach's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it suitable for RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches share a POM bottom housing, which contributes to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone. However, the Peach's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer material, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile compared to the Cream.

The difference in housing materials between the Cream and the Peach affects not only the sound but also the feel of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the Cream, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed down. The Cream's POM bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound profile and adds to the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Peach's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller sound profile with a softer touch, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder feel.

While the differences between the housing materials of the Cream and the Peach are distinctive, they also share similarities. Both switches utilize POM for their top housing, which creates an enjoyable sound profile, albeit with differing characteristics. Additionally, the shared POM bottom housing ensures that the switches deliver a unique and pleasant sound experience. So, while there are contrasts between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound and feel provided by the shared POM materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the NovelKeys Cream is 55 grams, while the Peach requires a slightly lighter touch at 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream requires 70 grams of pressure, indicating a heavier feel, whereas the Peach only requires 53 grams, making it lighter in comparison.

These variances in force can lead to different typing experiences. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Peach provides a comfortable typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a more substantial typing experience with higher forces, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel.

It is worth noting that although the NovelKeys Cream is heavier than the Peach in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, the two switches belong to the same medium-weight category. Therefore, users can achieve similar results with both switches, although the Cream will provide a slightly heavier touch compared to the Peach. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of typing feel and the desired amount of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Peach linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the KTT Peach, you can expect a consistent and comfortable keypress with a 4 mm travel distance.

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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 switch offers a low-pitched and resonant profile. The low-pitched sound provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the resonant characteristic adds a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Cream switch. However, it is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. Both switches provide a deep sound, but the Cream switch offers a cleaner and sharper profile compared to the Peach switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. The buttery characteristic signifies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Cream switch also has a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free experience. Additionally, the Cream switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Peach switch aims for a safe middle-ground zone, providing an approachable feel that most users will find comfortable.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and KTT Peach switches have some similarities and differences. In terms of sound, both switches feature a low-pitched profile, but the Cream switch provides a deeper and cleaner sound compared to the Peach switch. Both switches also offer a smooth typing experience, with the Cream switch described as buttery and the Peach switch described as mild. However, the Cream switch has additional characteristics like textured feel and invigorating feedback, which may appeal to those seeking a more tactile experience. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and the final choice would depend on the specific preferences of the user.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is the way to go. These switches provide a heftier typing experience and have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. They offer a buttery and invigorating feel, making typing feel smooth, fluid, and immersive. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach is the better choice. These switches have a moderate-light bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and provide a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Peach depends on your preference for weight, sound, and feel.

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