Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The NovelKeys Cream is celebrated for its heftier linear typing experience, providing a deep sound profile that is both textured and invigorating. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a smooth and snappy tactile bump while maintaining a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own set of qualities that appeal to different preferences - the Cream for those who enjoy a heavier linear typing feel, and the WS Light Tactile for those who appreciate a tactile bump with a neutral sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The NovelKeys Cream utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. However, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the NovelKeys Cream's POM bottom housing, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound.
While the NovelKeys Cream and the WS Light Tactile both offer distinctive sound profiles based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in their housing designs. Both switches use high-quality materials to enhance the overall typing experience, whether it be the POM in the NovelKeys Cream or the polycarbonate and nylon in the WS Light Tactile. The decision to use specific housing materials is crucial in determining the sound and feel of the switch, with each material bringing its own unique characteristics to the table. Ultimately, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch, thanks to the careful selection of housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing, and between polycarbonate and POM for the top housing, can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. The differentiation in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the selection of housing materials in switches like the NovelKeys Cream and the WS Light Tactile showcases the importance of material choice in fine-tuning the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch. The NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile only requires 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the NovelKeys Cream, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the WS Light Tactile. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the option to choose based on their preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer the same amount of key travel, giving users a consistent typing experience with similar results. This means that whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the WS Light Tactile, you can expect the same travel distance when pressing down on the keys. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as both offer a comfortable typing feel with their 4 mm travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The NovelKeys Cream offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of typing situations. The Cream switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Light Tactile switch presents a moderate sound profile that is versatile and adaptable to different environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Cream switch is known for its buttery and textured typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform sensation with noticeable friction. The switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is characterized by its stepped design and easy-to-press nature. The stepped tactile feedback provides a mild bump during typing, while the light actuation force ensures minimal effort is needed for key presses, enhancing the overall typing comfort and reducing fatigue.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cream switch excels in providing a deep and resonant sound with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile design and easy-to-press keystrokes. Both switches offer a unique typing experience that will satisfy users seeking specific sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavier linear switch with a deep sound profile and a buttery typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what feels best for you when typing.
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