Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

Introducing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, also a linear switch, two options that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The NovelKeys Cream is best known for its heftier linear typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feel with a low-pitched, textured sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. This switch retains a familiar sound signature and offers a heavier actuation force, amplifying the weight of each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, offering something for every typing enthusiast. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Red both differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects their sound profiles. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing. POM housings produce a deeper and relatively more muted sound, which may result in a more pleasing and unique sound profile. On the other hand, nylon top housings are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to their relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Cream and the WS Red both aim for a deeper sound profile, the Cream's POM top housing may provide a more distinct and muffled audio experience compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing.

Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream's POM material and the WS Red's nylon material also contribute to their differing sound profiles. The Cream's POM bottom housing, like its top housing, creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Red ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of the plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the Cream's POM bottom housing may provide a similar sound experience to its top housing, with a distinct and muffled sound, while the WS Red's nylon bottom housing could deliver a deeper and fuller sound.

In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the top and bottom portions of a switch play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Thus, the distinct qualities of the NovelKeys Cream's POM materials would be more noticeable during key release, where the deeper and more muted sound may be experienced. Conversely, the WS Red's nylon materials may result in a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. While the specific housing materials may differ, both switches aim for a certain sound experience, albeit with slightly different nuances depending on the bottom and top housings used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to consider their weight. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of typing experience.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream may be the better choice as its actuation force is lighter than that of the WS Red. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Red.

In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a similar force of 67 grams. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the typing experience will be equally sturdy and substantial.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Red hinges on personal preference. For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream is the lighter option, while the WS Red offers a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of distance, the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Red switch. The NovelKeys Cream offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0mm, which may be preferred by those who are used to this standard. On the other hand, the WS Red switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm, which can be appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. It is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, so if you desire a more responsive typing experience, the WS Red switch may be the better option. Conversely, individuals who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke may prefer the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a resonant quality, resulting in a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a deeper, bass-heavy sound, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a suitable choice, while the sound characteristics of the WS Red switch are uncertain.

In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch has several descriptors. It is described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also described as "textured," implying that it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this slight texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as "invigorating," offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch is not described in the available information. In conclusion, if you prefer a smooth, textured, and invigorating typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be a good choice, while the feel of the WS Red switch remains unknown.

Taking all the available information into account, we can infer that the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The NovelKeys Cream switch provides a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch without being overly deep. It offers a low-pitched sound with a clean and sharp resonant quality. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the sound and feel characteristics of the WS Red switch are unknown. Therefore, if you seek a switch with a deep sound profile, smooth and textured feel, and pronounced feedback, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be recommended. However, if you prefer a switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the WS Red switch might provide similar or different results depending on your preference.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience and a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. They are best known for their heftier linear feel and low-pitched and resonant sound profiles. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a buttery and invigorating typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches also provide a medium-heavy typing experience. They are best known for their double-stage spring and familiar sound signature. However, it is worth mentioning that there is no specific description provided for their sound and feel.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bouncy and responsive typing experience, the WS Red switches might be more to your liking. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile when making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more