Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Cream switches are renowned for their heftier linear feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance while typing. Additionally, they produce a deep sound profile that adds a touch of depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are celebrated for their smooth actuation and comfortable feel. With their attractive pink and clear housings, they not only perform reliably but also offer a frictionless and silky typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials. The Cream features a POM top housing, while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The POM housing of the Cream creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more distinct and vibrant typing sound. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Strawberry allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Cream employs a POM bottom housing, while the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Just like with the top housing, the POM bottom housing of the Cream creates a deeper and more muted sound profile when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile upon bottoming out, adding to the overall typing experience. Thus, the bottom housing material contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
It is important to note that the individual characteristics of the top and bottom housings are essential in generating the overall sound profile of the switches. The Cream and the Strawberry exemplify this by utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings. The unique qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound produced when letting go of the key. By understanding these differences, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, providing a more effortless typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream is again heavier with 70 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel when pressing all the way down. The Strawberry, however, has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, allowing for a smoother and slightly less impactful keystroke. Despite these disparities, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar weight experience, they can expect comparable results from both switches. The weight of these switches is worth considering as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those preferring a lighter switch may find the Strawberry more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while users desiring a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the NovelKeys Cream.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the KTT Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback provided by the keys.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. The low-pitched nature of these switches gives them a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which some users find appealing. Additionally, the resonance of these switches adds a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound. Therefore, both switches provide a similar low-pitched sound, but the Cream switch offers the additional resonant characteristic for a sharper and cleaner sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is known for a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience. The buttery nature of these switches ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The slight texture adds some friction when pressing the keys, which is preferred by some users for a more tactile feel. Moreover, the invigorating characteristic of these switches offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The silky characteristic enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, while the buttery aspect ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The polished nature of these switches adds a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel and reduced friction.
Based on the available information, both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer qualities that are highly desirable for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream switch provides a deeper and resonant sound profile, making it suitable for those seeking a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, with its frictionless and silky characteristics appealing to users who prefer a fluid travel across the keyboard. While there may be slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches, they both promise a high-quality typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either the Cream or Strawberry switch would be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a slightly heavier and deeper linear typing experience with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel, providing a seamless and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force with a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switches are a great option. These Strawberry switches offer a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Strawberry switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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