Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Piano are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a linear typing experience. However, there are some distinct differences between the two that may sway your decision. The Cream switches from NovelKeys are known for their heftier typing feel, with a fairly deep sound profile that is textured and invigorating. On the other hand, the Piano switches from Durock are praised for their proprietary material blend, which provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. They are categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. While these general pointers may help you make your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best choose the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Durock Piano switches have some similarities but also notable differences. Both switches feature a top housing made of a proprietary POM blend, which provides a satisfying and deep sound profile. This similarity suggests that users can expect a comparable sound experience when pressing down and releasing keys with either switch.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge between the two switches. The NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its unique and pleasing sound profile. This bottom housing also adds to the deeper side of the sound and creates a relatively more muted tone. In contrast, the Durock Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. Nonetheless, this blend is said to offer a satisfying and deep sound profile, similar to the Cream.
With regards to function, the differences between the top and bottom housing become significant. The bottom housing material plays a more substantial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This suggests that the POM bottom housing of the Cream and the proprietary blend of the Piano will influence the way the keys feel and sound when fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material takes precedence in determining the sound when the key is released. Consequently, the proprietary POM blend used in both switches' top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key.
In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Durock Piano switches share similarities in their top housing materials, which offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The differences arise in their bottom housing materials, with the Cream featuring a POM bottom housing and the Piano utilizing a proprietary POM blend. These variations affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the Cream's POM bottom housing contributing to a more muted tone. However, the proprietary blend in the Piano's bottom housing aims to deliver a similar deep sound experience. The top housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when releasing a key for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see a difference in the available information. The NovelKeys Cream switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, also categorizing it as medium-heavy. Despite the lack of available information about the actuation force of the Piano switch, we can assume that it may have a similar level to the NovelKeys Cream switch, as both switches classify as medium-heavy when it comes to bottoming out force.
Considering the weight of a switch is crucial for individuals looking to optimize their typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find it beneficial for longer typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force to provide a more significant typing experience, giving them the sensation of a strong push. For these individuals, opting for switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Durock Piano switch is unknown, its bottom out force is similar to the NovelKeys Cream switch. This means that both switches likely provide a comparable typing experience in terms of weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the Durock Piano, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Piano switches have distinct qualities when it comes to sound. The NovelKeys Cream has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. This switch offers a deeper sound compared to average switches, providing a pleasant auditory experience without being overly deep. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as bassy, offering a richer and deeper sound profile reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches provide a unique and enjoyable sound experience, with the Cream switch leaning towards a lower pitch and the Piano switch offering a deeper, creamier sound.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is often described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Cream switch also has a textured aspect, meaning it might have a subtle friction that some users prefer, providing tactile feedback and a more responsive typing experience. Moreover, the Cream switch is considered invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch provides a fluid travel and is often referred to as silky, further enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
In conclusion, the NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Piano switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch provides a deep, low-pitched sound profile accompanied by a buttery and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing feel. While the Cream switch leans towards a more textured and responsive experience, the Piano switch focuses on providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. Both switches offer subjective qualities that can cater to different preferences, providing enjoyment in their own distinct ways. If you are looking for a deep and mellow sound with a textured and responsive feel, the Cream switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a richer and bassier sound with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Piano switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is the one for you. These Cream switches provide a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound that is not overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano switch is the way to go. With its gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, the Piano switch offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. When it comes to sound, the NovelKeys Cream produces a low-pitched and resonant sound, while the Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream provides a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing sensation, while the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky smooth experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Durock Piano switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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