Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a unique typing experience, both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are worth considering. The NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience, providing a deep sound profile that is both satisfying and invigorating. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are known for their bouncy typing experience, producing a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Cream switches offer a buttery and textured feel, the Gray switches provide a more neutral and polished experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general characteristics so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize different housing 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, providing a unique auditory experience. In comparison, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is particularly suitable for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Similarly, the Cream's POM bottom housing contributes to its pleasing and muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray enhances the switch's overall sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, adding a touch of precision and crispness to each keystroke. Additionally, as the switch's bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a distinctive tactile feedback when using the Polaris Gray.
However, if both the top and bottom housings of a switch are made from the same material, such as POM or polycarbonate, the sound profile will remain consistent throughout. In such cases, users can expect a uniform sound when pressing down on the switch as well as when releasing a key. This ensures a consistent auditory experience, regardless of whether POM or polycarbonate is utilized in both housing components.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. While the Cream's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with the added benefit of being translucent for RGB lighting purposes. However, when the same housing material is used for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile throughout their keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, which means this is the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke, whereas the actuation force for the Polaris Gray is unavailable. This may indicate that the Polaris Gray requires a force that is either lighter or heavier than the NovelKeys Cream, but the exact value is unknown.
In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, compared to the Polaris Gray's 67 grams. This means that when pressing the key all the way down, the NovelKeys Cream requires slightly more force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. However, if one prefers a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, the NovelKeys Cream with its lower actuation force may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Polaris Gray may be the better option.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Polaris Gray is unavailable, the NovelKeys Cream offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The Polaris Gray, on the other hand, is likely to have either a lighter or heavier actuation force, and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, each switch offers a distinct typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and there is no difference between them in this aspect.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 linear switch provides a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch, although it is not overly deep. The sound is described as low-pitched and resonant, resulting in a bass-heavy, mellow tone with clean and sharp characteristics. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile. The sound is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches have a low-pitched tone, but the NovelKeys Cream has a more immersive and resonant sound experience, while the Polaris Gray is known for its satisfying thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. It is also described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild typing experience. This means it provides a more gentle and approachable typing feel, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the NovelKeys Cream being buttery and invigorating, while the Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier and resonant sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel. If you prefer a deeper and immersive auditory experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, the NovelKeys Cream would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a clean and clacky sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch that offers a heftier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams and a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, these switches provide a bass-heavy and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience and pronounced feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams and a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, these switches provide a bass-heavy and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined finish for smooth key travel.
Overall, your choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile, or a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Additionally, take into account the feel of the switches, whether you prefer a buttery and invigorating sensation or a mild and polished one. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
