Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique and appealing features. The NovelKeys Cream is known for its heftier linear typing experience and deep sound profile, making it stand out for those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, its high-pitched and clacky sound signature sets it apart from the competition. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profile and feel. The NovelKeys Cream switch features a POM top housing which creates a deep and muted sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch uses a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream also utilizes POM material, resulting in a similar sound profile to its top housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch uses POK material known for its smooth, clacky, and durable characteristics.
While both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they each bring distinct qualities to the overall feel and sound of the switch. The POM material in the NovelKeys Cream switch creates a pleasing and unique sound profile with a deeper tone, while the KTT blend top housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. The POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers exceptional smoothness, wear resistance, and shock resistance, surpassing other materials like LY and Nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles, with the NovelKeys Cream offering a more muted and deep sound while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Whether you prefer a smoother and more durable switch with the POK material or a unique sound profile with POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that the NovelKeys Cream is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. The NovelKeys Cream provides a medium-heavy typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the option to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see that the NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly less distance to travel compared to the NovelKeys Cream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream is more traditional, while the 3.5mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream is on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press experience may opt for the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a linear 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 deeper and more resonant profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, thanks to the POK material used in both the stem and bottom housing. This difference in sound can impact the overall auditory experience for users, with the NovelKeys Cream leaning towards a deeper tone while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a sharper sound signature.
In terms of feel, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches are described as offering a buttery typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier linear typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a remarkably smooth and creamy feel reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Both switches deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users looking for a smooth keypress.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, users can expect different sound profiles with the Cream switch offering a deeper tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivering a higher-pitched clacky sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a buttery typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch may provide a satisfying typing experience, making them both viable options for newcomers looking for quality linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound profile with a buttery typing feel, the NovelKeys Cream may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a smooth, creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it’s important to consider what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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