Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Sea Glass 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 Durock Sea Glass. The NovelKeys Cream offers a heavier linear typing experience compared to other switches, giving it a distinct feel. Its deeper sound profile adds to the typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches by Durock stand out with their captivating pastel colors. These switches provide a unique typing experience with a dry and airy feel. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they feel weightless and have a frictionless nature. The Sea Glass switches also produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, resulting in a brighter sound that is still pleasant. While these top housings generate different tonal qualities, they both contribute to an overall pleasing sound experience.
The bottom housings of the NovelKeys Cream and the Sea Glass switches also differ in material composition. The Cream's POM bottom housing produces a deep and muted sound, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, resulting in a somewhat brighter sound. These bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When comparing the effects of the top and bottom housing materials on the switch's sound, there are notable differences. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material become apparent when the switch is pressed, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Sea Glass switches aim to offer an enjoyable typing experience through their unique housing materials.
In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Sea Glass switches possess distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cream's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housings result in a slightly brighter tone. The bottom housing materials predominantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing materials have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Although there are differences in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide pleasing typing experiences through their unique qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Glass switch will require a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cream switch is heavier with a bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Sea Glass switch's 62 grams. This means that the Cream switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, as it requires slightly more force to press all the way down. It's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force. So, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass would be the better choice, as it has a lower actuation force. However, if you prefer a heavier and more tactile feel, the Cream switch would be the way to go.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The NovelKeys Cream falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a comfortable and familiar feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, enhancing performance in gaming scenarios. However, for those who value a deeper and more substantial press, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, with its longer travel distance, may be the better option. In summary, both switches offer unique travel distances that cater to different preferences and use cases.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 profile that adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. The sound it produces is deeper than the average switch but not excessively so. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature. Although there is no specific description provided, it can be inferred that the Sea Glass switch offers a higher-pitched sound compared to the Cream switch, creating an immersive auditory experience. It is 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 NovelKeys Cream switch is described as providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, earning it the "buttery" descriptor. It offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a uniform feeling across the keystrokes. Additionally, the Cream switch is not described as textured, indicating that it provides a friction-free typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. It falls under the mild category, which suggests a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. The Sea Glass switch is also mentioned as feathery, indicating that it is exceptionally light to press and reduces strain on the fingers, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering the available information, the NovelKeys Cream switch stands out for its heftier and low-pitched sound profile, along with its buttery and invigorating feel. It delivers a mellow tone and a smooth, fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch captures attention with its captivating pastel colors and distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience. It emanates a uniquely hollow sound signature and provides a frictionless, mild, and feathery typing experience. While there are differences between the two switches in terms of sound and feel, they both offer high-quality experiences that can enhance your typing sessions. If you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a buttery feel, the NovelKeys Cream will be a great choice. Alternatively, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct hollow sound, along with a frictionless and feathery feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch will provide a unique typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is a great choice. These switches offer a heftier typing experience that is both smooth and buttery. They provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, making them invigorating to type on. 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 lighter switch with a medium bottom-out force and a distinct dryness and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass would be a better fit for you. These switches have a weightlessness that defies expectations, providing a frictionless and effortless typing experience. The Sea Glass switches emit a uniquely hollow sound, which adds to their captivating aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Durock Sea Glass depends on your personal preferences. If you value a heavier typing experience with a deeper sound profile, go for the NovelKeys Cream. If you prefer a lighter and more frictionless typing experience with a distinct dryness and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass would be a better choice for you. Consider your desired bottom-out force, sound profile, and feel to make an informed decision.
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