Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer unique mechanical keyboard switch experiences. The Cream is a linear switch known for its heftier typing feel and deep sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch with a pronounced bump, providing a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, whether it be the Cream's buttery smoothness or the Thunder Shadow's balanced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cream's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing sound, but with a deeper and fuller profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow provide users with unique typing experiences thanks to their housing materials. While the Cream's POM top housing results in a more muted sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow offers a crisper sound that is further enhanced by its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Cream's POM bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller overall sound. Each switch's housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of construction, having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a keyboard switch allows for a unique blend of sound profiles and typing experiences. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the overall typing experience, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the NovelKeys Cream is 70 grams, slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. This means that the NovelKeys Cream will require a lighter initial push to register a keystroke, but will provide a heavier typing experience when fully pressed. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow will offer a slightly heavier initial resistance but a lighter bottom out force. So, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, the NovelKeys Cream may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial typing feel, the Aflion Thunder Shadow could be the switch for you. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch that has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Cream switch will require slightly more force to press down fully compared to the Thunder Shadow switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Thunder Shadow for faster response times, while those looking for a more traditional and deeper key press may opt for the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 boasts a low-pitched and resonant profile, providing a deep and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, suitable for various preferences and purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Cream providing a deeper tone and the Thunder Shadow maintaining a balanced sound suitable for different environments.
In terms of feel, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. The Cream switch is also noted for its buttery and textured qualities, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. While the Thunder Shadow's tactile bump strikes a harmonious balance and ensures a medium weight feel, creating an immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile along with a buttery and textured feel, catering to those seeking a heftier linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature and an invigorating tactile bump, ensuring a balanced sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide excellent options with their distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the NovelKeys Cream and the Aflion Thunder Shadow will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cream switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to try them out for yourself to see which one suits your typing style best.
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