Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts know that finding the perfect switch is crucial for an optimal typing experience. Two switches that offer unique characteristics are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. On one hand, the Cream switches provide a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', these switches offer a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches stand out with their innovation, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a silky smooth typing feel without feeling overly polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Cream switch features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Although they differ in sound, both materials offer unique and pleasing auditory experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream switch employs a POM material that produces a deep and muted sound. This softer plastic material absorbs less sound, resulting in a slightly more resonant and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing has a prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, allowing users to experience the distinct qualities of each housing material.
When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that are pleasing in their own ways. Whether you prefer the deep and muted sound of the NovelKeys Cream's POM housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate housing, you can expect to be satisfied with the sound profiles of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the NovelKeys Cream being heavier at 70 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer periods of typing or for extended gaming sessions. In this case, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, with its medium-heavy actuation force and heavier bottom out force, might provide a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, for those seeking a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience, a switch with a heavier force is preferable. While the specific actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, its medium bottom out force might make it a suitable option for those who desire a balanced typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream presents a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, which has an unknown actuation force and a medium bottom out force. Selecting the appropriate switch will ultimately depend on an individual's preference for typing feel and the desired weight of their keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we can see that there is a difference in their distances. The NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional distance, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the NovelKeys Cream switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance.
The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. The shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Semi-Silent Linear switch can provide a faster response time, which is often preferred by gamers or individuals looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of 4 mm in the NovelKeys Cream switch can offer a more satisfying and deeper typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.
It's important to note that while the travel distances of these switches differ, both options can still provide a comfortable and efficient typing experience. The key is to determine your own preferences and needs when it comes to travel distance, in order to choose the switch that will best suit your individual typing style.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 linear switch is known for providing a heftier and more solid linear typing experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a fairly deep sound profile, which is deeper than the average switch but not overly so. The sound of the Cream switches can be described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cream switches is resonant, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is praised for its innovation in the realm of linear switches. It is labelled as semi-silent due to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a silky smooth type feel, which is not overly polished. The feel of these switches can be described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch also has a snappy characteristic, making it super responsive and giving a more alive typing experience.
In conclusion, the NovelKeys Cream and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique subjective qualities for different preferences. The Cream switches provide a heftier and deeper sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued and neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Cream switches give a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing sensation, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches offer smooth and fluid keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more solid and resonant typing experience with the Cream switches or a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Semi-Silent Linear switches. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a heftier linear typing experience and prefer a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be a good choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and offer a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. They are described as buttery, textured, and invigorating in terms of feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more innovative switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is worth considering. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches are suitable for most intents and purposes. They have a subdued and neutral sound profile, making them more subtle and suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In terms of feel, they are described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider if you prefer a heavier and deeper sound profile with a more invigorating typing experience, or if you prefer a quieter and more polished switch with a gentle typing experience. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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