Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch but can't decide on the best option for you? Let's compare and contrast two popular linear switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Red, to help you make an informed decision. The NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a more textured and invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Reds are the way to go. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They also provide a consistent and padding bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Silent Red switch provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is commonly used for switches with clear housing, making it suitable for RGB lighting effects. The use of POM in the Cream switch lends it a unique and pleasing sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream also utilizes POM material, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Red features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a rounder and duller sound. This difference in the bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience of the switches. The Cream switch with its POM bottom housing offers a more consistent sound throughout the keypress, while the Silent Red with its nylon bottom housing may exhibit a more distinct sound during bottom-out.

It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel when you bottom out a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the NovelKeys Cream and TTC Silent Red have different housing materials, the overall typing experience may still yield similar results for certain aspects. However, the distinct characteristics brought by POM and polycarbonate in the top housing, as well as the differences between POM and nylon in the bottom housing, create distinct differences between these two switch options.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are several notable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to activate. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream requires 70 grams of force while the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams. Despite these variances, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range for both actuation and bottom out forces.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation force. This allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the NovelKeys Cream, which has a slightly higher actuation force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and TTC Silent Red will depend on individual preferences. Those who favor a lighter touch and smoother typing may lean towards the Silent Red, while those seeking a keystroke with a bit more weight and intensity might gravitate towards the NovelKeys Cream. Nevertheless, both switches offer a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a similar level of performance in terms of force requirements.

Travel distance

The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have different travel distances. The NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, while 3.7 mm is slightly shallower. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Silent Red would be a better option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the NovelKeys Cream with its longer travel distance would be the ideal choice. Overall, both switches offer different comfort levels and responses, so it's important to consider personal preference when selecting between them.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier and deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. It has a low-pitched and resonant sound, resulting in a bass-heavy and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed for those seeking a quiet typing experience. It produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards.

In terms of feel, both switches can be described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They offer a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The NovelKeys Cream switch is also described as invigorating, which suggests a snappy and reactive feel with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel without excessively pronounced characteristics. It is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and TTC Silent Red switches differ in their sound profiles and actuation forces. The Cream switch provides a deeper, resonant sound with a heftier typing experience, while the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound and a more gentle typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches provide a buttery and smooth keystroke, but the Cream switch offers an invigorating typing sensation, while the Silent Red switch offers a mild and polished experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Cream switch being suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound and heftier feel, and the Silent Red switch being ideal for those looking for a quiet and gentle typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a heftier typing experience and a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a seamless and quiet typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. These switches have a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom. They offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with a polished finish for reduced friction. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and noise level, so make sure to consider these factors when choosing the right switch for you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more