Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Red Panda. The NovelKeys Cream is renowned for its heftier linear typing experience, offering a deep sound profile that adds a satisfying touch to your keystrokes. In contrast, the Red Panda provides a lighter tactile experience with a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Red Panda switches bring different qualities to the typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This can result in a satisfying and unique typing experience, especially for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who wish to use RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the same deep and muted sound profile as the top housing. The use of POM in the bottom housing adds to the overall typing experience, particularly when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Red Panda incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This can create a different tactile sensation when typing, giving a deeper and fuller sound.

It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be distributed between the bottom-out and letting-go sounds and feels. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Red Panda can offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, but with subtle differences based on the specific housing material used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Cream switch a bit harder to trigger. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream switch requires 70 grams of force while the Red Panda requires 60 grams, making the Cream switch slightly heavier in this aspect as well.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be a suitable choice, as it has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. This allows for comfortable typing for longer periods of time, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit of resistance. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Cream switch give it a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying and tactile feedback with every keystroke.

Overall, both switches offer their unique advantages in terms of weight and force. The Red Panda switch provides a lighter typing experience, while the Cream switch offers a heavier and more substantial feel. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm. The NovelKeys Cream has a longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. In general, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.3 mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances too abrupt, and they may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance if they prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a fairly deep sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow, creating a low-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique combination of sounds. The bottom-out sound is described as a bassier, raindrop-like thock, while the top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched. These qualities result in a more varied and distinctive sound profile compared to the Cream switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is known for its buttery and textured characteristics. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it features an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy reactive feel, making typing on it highly immersive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience with a more gentle feel. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing experience that will be approachable to most users.

In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch showcase distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch offers a deep and mellow sound profile, alongside a buttery and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a more varied sound profile with a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, and a mild typing experience that is comfortable for most users. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to customize their keyboard experience based on their preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a great choice for you. With its 70-gram bottom out force, you can expect a heftier typing feel. Additionally, the low-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Cream switches adds to the immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter typing experience and a thocky sound, the Outemu Red Panda would be a suitable option. With its 60-gram bottom out force, you can enjoy a gentle typing feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The Red Panda switches provide a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, producing a satisfying and deep thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for weight, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more