Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often stand out are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The NovelKeys Cream is renowned for providing a heftier linear typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile that adds a textured and invigorating feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a cushioned, pillow-like bottom-out feel, perfect for situations that require quieter typing. Its silky and muted attributes contribute to a polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The NovelKeys Cream uses POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet satisfying and clacky sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches differ, they each play a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident. With the Cream, the POM material contributes to a deeper bottom-out sound and feel, giving a more subdued sensation. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing provides a slightly sharper bottom-out sound, adding a touch of clackiness.
In terms of the release sound, the top housing is the key influencer. When letting go of a key, the Cream's POM top housing produces a relatively muted sound due to its material, resulting in a more subtle key-up noise. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing delivers a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, adding a distinctive acoustics to the typing experience.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Gateron Silent Ink Black differ, they each contribute to the switches' distinct sound profiles. The POM housing of the Cream creates a deeper and more muted sound, while Gateron's INK blend in the Silent Ink Black produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. However, for both switches, the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the release sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences.
In terms of actuation force, the NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force, but the Cream is slightly lighter. This means that the Cream switch may be more preferred by users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. However, if someone prefers a slightly stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black would be the better option.
Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches have the same force requirement of 70 grams. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you will experience a similar resistance when pressing all the way down. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.
Considering the weight of the switches is important for different preferences. Those who like it lighter may opt for the Cream switch due to its lower actuation force. This would be ideal for individuals who use their keyboards for extended periods, such as in office or gaming settings. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice, as it has a slightly higher actuation force.
In conclusion, while the NovelKeys Cream linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, both switches share the same bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switches offer a fairly deep sound profile, although not excessively so. They have a low-pitched tone, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are specifically designed to provide a quieter typing experience. They are described as muted switches, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. So, if you're looking for a deeper, low-pitched sound, the NovelKeys Cream switches will be a good choice. But if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switches are the way to go.
When considering the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Cream switches are praised for their buttery and textured keystroke experience. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid typing sensation, with a seamless and effortless keystroke. Additionally, they offer an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive response. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are described as silky and polished. This means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish and possible factory lubing of these switches result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. So, if you prefer a buttery and invigorating typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great option. But if you prioritize a silky smooth and polished feel, the Silent Ink Black switches will suit you better.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer different subjective qualities for both sound and feel. The Cream switches have a deeper, low-pitched sound and provide a buttery and invigorating typist experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches offer a quieter, muted sound and a silky, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences. However, if you're seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, you can achieve a comparable low-pitched sound by silencing the Cream switches or using a keyboard with foam/dampening material, and you can create a smoother feel with the Cream switches by lubing them or using a keyboard with gasket mount design.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Cream switches are best known for their buttery feel, invigorating feedback, and low-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches are the way to go. These switches also have a bottom out force of 70 grams, but their cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback make them perfect for environments that necessitate reduced noise. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switches are described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the NovelKeys Cream and Silent Ink Black switches should be based on the desired typing experience, whether it be a heftier and deeper sound profile or a quieter and smoother feel.
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