Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Semi Mute. The NovelKeys Cream is known for providing a heftier linear typing experience, with a satisfyingly deep sound profile that adds texture to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, despite its misleading name, offers complete silence during operation, making it perfect for those who prefer a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its advanced dampening technology and linear actuation, the KTT Semi Mute delivers a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Semi Mute differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic properties. The NovelKeys Cream features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects, whereas the solid nature of POM does not offer the same visual appeal.

However, despite these differences, the overall qualities of the NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Semi Mute are quite similar. Both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, allowing for a split contribution to the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a stronger impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This similarity in the split between bottom and top housing influences ensures that both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience.

In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Semi Mute differ in their housing materials, with the former featuring POM top and bottom housings and the latter utilizing polycarbonate. These variations result in distinctive sound profiles, with the Cream offering a deeper and more muted sound, and the Semi Mute producing a sharper and crisper sound. The aesthetic differences also come into play, with the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing allowing for attractive RGB lighting effects. Despite these disparities, both switches share a commonality in their split housing design, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the key release sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams, making it require a bit more force to trigger a key press. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the NovelKeys Cream is also heavier with a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that typing on the NovelKeys Cream switch will provide a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, as both the actuation and bottom out forces are higher. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. It is worth considering personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Semi Mute for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier feel offered by the NovelKeys Cream. In either case, both switches provide a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the Semi Mute, you can expect to have a similar tactile experience and response from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. The low-pitched and resonant qualities of these switches create a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. The feel of the Cream switches is described as buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. These switches have a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making them invigorating to type on.

On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are tailor-made for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches offer a satisfying typing feel. The Semi Mute switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. They also have a neutral feel, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for users at any skill level and in various environments.

Comparing the sound qualities of the Cream and Semi Mute switches, the Cream switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Semi Mute switches have a muted and neutral sound profile. The Cream switches provide a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, whereas the Semi Mute switches minimize noise and offer a more gentle sound experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Cream and Semi Mute switches are described as buttery. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Cream switches also have a textured characteristic, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches offer a mild typing experience, with gentle qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches and the KTT Semi Mute switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switches offer a heftier and deeper sound profile, while the Semi Mute switches provide a muted and noise-free experience. Both switches have a buttery feel, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and immersive sound, the Cream switches are a suitable choice. If you value a quieter typing experience, the Semi Mute switches are a great option. However, it's important to note that the final sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a heftier linear typing experience and a lower-pitched, resonant sound that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and a comfortable typing feel, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches provide a gratifying typing experience with a moderate bottom out force. With their muted sound and buttery feel, they offer a smooth and pleasant keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Cream and the Semi Mute will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more