Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Cream switches from Kailh are known for offering a heftier linear typing experience. With a fairly deep sound profile, they provide a satisfying typing experience that is both low-pitched and textured. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches from Outemu are favored for their light actuation force and neutral sound profile. These switches are particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper, more subdued sound, the NovelKeys Cream with its POM top housing would be a better fit. Conversely, if you enjoy a more vibrant and resonant typing experience, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing would be a great choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Cream employs POM, known for creating a deeply satisfying sound. This characteristic of POM contributes to the switch's overall deeper and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. If you favor a switch with a more pronounced and resonant bottom-out sound, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing is more suitable. However, if you prefer a switch with a softer and more muted sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM bottom housing would be the better choice.
Despite the differences in housing materials, it is important to note that the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch are influenced by both the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, if the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom and top, resulting in a nuanced typing experience. So, regardless of whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the Outemu Yellow Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of the split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Yellow Silver operates with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This distinction means that the NovelKeys Cream switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Yellow Silver. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream requires a heavier force of 70 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires 55 grams. This indicates that both switches have similar bottoming out forces, providing a comparable typing experience in terms of the amount of force required to press all the way down. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences, with individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel and longer typing sessions potentially favoring the Yellow Silver with its lighter actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the NovelKeys Cream with its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it determines the feedback and comfort levels of pressing down on a key. When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes apparent that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you choose the NovelKeys Cream or the Outemu Yellow Silver, you can expect to have a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 switch offers a unique and distinctive sound profile. It has a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Cream switch is described as resonant, meaning it has a higher-pitched sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. It neither emphasizes the bass nor the sharpness of its sound. This makes it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a range of qualities. It is often described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it is mentioned to have a textured characteristic, meaning there may be noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Lastly, the Cream switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderately firm actuation force. It has a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is unknown.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Cream switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile along with a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, but details about its feel are unknown. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can expect different experiences with each switch. If you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound and buttery, textured feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a good choice. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable for your needs. In either case, it is important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a heavier typing experience and a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. The Cream switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. It is best known for its heftier linear typing experience and fairly deep sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Yellow Silver switch offers a smoother and faster typing experience, making it favorable for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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