Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Wine Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The Cream switches provide a heftier linear typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile that is not overly so. These switches are described as "buttery," "low-pitched," "textured," "resonant," and "invigorating." On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light feel while typing, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. They are categorized as "bassy" and "low-pitched." Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the KTT Wine Red switches differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This makes it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced and distinct typing sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Wine Red is translucent, making it perfect for use with RGB lighting. The transparency allows for the vibrant colors of the lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal. On the contrary, the POM housing of the NovelKeys Cream does not offer the same level of translucency and may not showcase RGB lighting as effectively.
However, it is worth noting that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the specific housing material used, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Wine Red will provide similar results in terms of overall switch performance and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see some key differences. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cream is 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Wine Red would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier and crisper feel, the NovelKeys Cream would be the ideal option. Regardless of the switch chosen, both offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4mm of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is best known for providing a heftier and more substantial typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a fairly deep sound profile that is deeper than the average switch but not overly so. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Both switches provide a low-pitched sound, with the NovelKeys Cream having a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp, while the Wine Red offers a bassy sound with a lower frequency range. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they are also described as textured, meaning that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users might prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream switch is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
Taking into account the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile and a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While both switches have a low-pitched sound, the Cream switch is resonant and the Wine Red switch is bassy. Users can expect similar results in terms of low-pitched sound, but the overall experience will differ due to the varying attributes of the switches. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices when selecting the most suitable switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a heftier linear typing experience. The low-pitched and resonant sound profile adds to the immersive auditory experience when typing. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches would be a suitable option. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a pillowy light type feel. The bassy and low-pitched sound profile adds depth and richness to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and KTT Wine Red switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a heavier or lighter typing experience and whether you prefer a deeper or mellow sound. Whichever switch you choose, both options provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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