Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences and sound profiles. The Cream switches are known for their heftier linear typing experience and a deep, yet not overly pronounced, sound profile. With categories like 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', and 'invigorating', these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a gratifying typing experience. They feature a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with every keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
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
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 housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches exhibit clear contrasts in terms of sound profile. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference can be attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. It is worth noting that both housings utilize their unique properties to create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, although with distinct characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Cream and Tourmaline Blue again demonstrate contrasting qualities. The POM bottom housing in the NovelKeys Cream contributes to its deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Tourmaline Blue enhances the switch's sound with a sharper and crisper tone. Just like with the top housing, the characteristics of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When considering the overall feel and sound of these switches, it is important to recognize the division in qualities between their top and bottom housings. Pressing down on the switch will primarily deliver the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing. Therefore, users can expect different characteristics during both actuation and release, depending on the specific housing materials used in each switch. Nonetheless, both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize their respective housing materials to create a unique and pleasing sound experience, albeit with their own distinctive nuances.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.
In terms of actuation force, the Cream switch requires a slightly lighter touch compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch. However, both switches still fall within a similar range, providing a satisfying feedback for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream switch requires a heavier force to fully press down compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch. This means that typists using the Cream switch may experience a slightly more resistant feel when bottoming out, which could be favorable for those who prefer a stronger push during their typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences. Some may find the slightly lighter actuation force of the Cream switch more comfortable for prolonged typing, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue switch for a more robust typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Cream and Tourmaline Blue will offer satisfactory results within the medium-heavy category.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches 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 the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either switch.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 low-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a deeper sound than the average switch. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. 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, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This means that they both offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The NovelKeys Cream switches are also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. They provide a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the NovelKeys Cream providing a more invigorating feel and the Tourmaline Blue offering a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both offer a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. However, there are also some differences. The NovelKeys Cream switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switches are more invigorating and offer pronounced feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue switches are easy-to-press and provide a low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but the specific qualities may appeal to different individuals based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force and provide a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. They have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can create a more bass-heavy and mellow tone or a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between a satisfying typing experience and accessibility for a wide range of users, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are a perfect fit. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They provide a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal finger fatigue.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches depends on your specific preferences. Whether you prioritize a heavier and more resonant typing experience or a balance between satisfaction and accessibility, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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