Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Taro, two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features. The NovelKeys Cream stands out for its heavy linear typing experience, resulting in a deep sound profile that adds texture and resonance to each keystroke. Categorized as "buttery," "low-pitched," "textured," "resonant," and "invigorating," these switches provide a unique and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy and comfortable typing experience, complemented by its subdued color scheme. With a snappy medium-level of tactility, each keystroke produces acute and crisp clacks, providing a different sensation compared to the NovelKeys Cream. Categorized as "neutral," "buttery," and "stepped," the Taro switches offer a tactile feedback that appeals to a specific user preference. However, let's dive in further beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Taro differ in their housing materials, with the Cream featuring a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing, while the Taro has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the Cream's POM housing creates a deeper, more muted sound, giving it a unique and pleasing quality. On the other hand, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is accentuated by its translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
As for the bottom housings, the Cream's POM material continues to contribute to its deeper and more muted sound profile. POM is known for providing a pleasant typing experience with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Taro's nylon bottom housing brings a different characteristic to the switch, creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound and contribute to a more resonant typing experience.
While the Cream and the Taro differ in their housing materials, it is important to note that each housing material plays a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing, whether it be POM or nylon, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it be POM or polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key. It is worth considering how each housing material affects the switch's overall sound profile and typing experience to make an informed choice based on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is also medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. This means that they may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the NovelKeys Cream is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force with its 55-gram requirement compared to the Taro's undisclosed amount.
For individuals who enjoy lighter switches, the NovelKeys Cream would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing periods without tiring the fingers. This aspect could be beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Taro switch, especially with its slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 70 grams.
In summary, both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer a medium-heavy typing experience. While the NovelKeys Cream is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Taro provides a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for typing experiences and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that they differ slightly in length. The NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, while 3.7 mm is a bit shallower. This distinction may not seem significant, but it can make a difference to individuals with specific preferences. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Taro switch with the shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. On the other hand, some people find short travel distances to feel abrupt, and for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Cream switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer a deep and resonant profile. These switches have a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Typing on them provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches have a neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate-level of sound with a balanced tone suitable for most purposes. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the NovelKeys Cream and Jwick Taro switches share a "buttery" sensation. This refers to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. However, the NovelKeys Cream switches have additional descriptors. They are described as "textured", indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream switches are also described as "invigorating", offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches have a "stepped" tactile feel. This means that the keystroke has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, creating a mild tactile experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches and the Jwick Taro switches have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switches provide a deep and resonant sound profile along with a textured and invigorating typing experience. Meanwhile, the Taro switches offer a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. However, if you prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, both switches share the "buttery" sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a great option for you. These Cream switches offer a buttery and invigorating feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. They have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, which adds to the immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro would be a good choice. These Taro switches have a comfortable and cozy typing experience, with a neutral sound profile that works well for various purposes. They offer a buttery feel like the Cream switches, but with a stepped tactile feedback that feels more mild. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Taro comes down to whether you prioritize a linear or tactile switch, and the specific typing experience and sound profile you prefer.
Mentioned in this article
