Thoughts on switches Part 2: Novel Keys Cream by Kailh

So, in my background I mentioned that my first experience with linear switches, via Cherry MX Red switches, was lackluster at best. I found them too light and far too scratchy. So, when I started trying out new switches, I was worried about delving back into the world of linear switches. Afterall, I had grown to love tactility in both clicky and tactile switches. So, to order not only linear switches but linear switches that were $0.65 per switch was a risky buy on my part. I had convinced myself that I hated linear switches.

So, they came and because I initially used them with my GMMK boards I had to clip the legs off, something I am glad isn’t necessary with my DZ60. Regardless, I plopped them in and began to type. Firstly, Cream switches have numerous differences to Cherry MX Red switches. Notably, they are made entirely from POM plastic, whereas Cherry uses a nylon mix for housing. This gives the Cream switches their distinct sound, described as deeper and more thocky. It’s honestly one of their best features as the sound, especially when paired with thicker, taller, and more sculpted keycaps is an absolute delight to my ears. There’s little rattle or pinging, just a nice blend of heavy clacking reminiscent of older keyboards. Another key difference between the MX Red and Cream switches is the actuation force needed, with MX Reds needing 45g versus the 55g of the Creams. Though 10g is ultimately not a huge gulf, it is 22% more force, or roughly the weight of 4 clad pennies (3 copper).

This difference in actuation is noticeable in typing. Accidental actuations are reduced for me and though I typically bottom out the keys I don’t necessarily bottom out as much with them, and certainly not as hard as with the lighter switches. Also, with regards to switch feel is how do Creams fare when it comes to scratchiness and that one is rather more complex due to how POM plastics behave. Essentially, many users (including myself) find Cream switches have a break-in period wherein they smooth out. Some people have developed their own methods for breaking in their switches using all sorts of means, such as through having a sheet actuate them all at once repeatedly for thousands of times, or any number of other methods. For me, I broke them in through typing and gaming. The result is that the initial scratchiness is dramatically reduced over time through normal usage. It also helped that I somewhat regularly swap out switches meaning that when they’re put back in it’s likely that switches will be put back into different sockets as I don’t even attempt to track where they came from or where they end up. I feel that has helped them wear evenly.

In the end, I went from hating linear switches to finding myself loving them through Cream switches. The combination of sound profile and feel hit a sweet spot where they are a pleasure to type on and a pleasure to hear being typed upon. Even with shorter profile caps, such as Cherry profile, they retain much of their lovely character sound and of course feel. However, as much as I laud them there is now a plethora of unique and brilliant options when it comes to linear switches now. As such, given they are still sold at that same $0.65 a switch price, they are still an upper-mid-tier price. I’ve tried numerous linear switches since and in an ever-crowding market Cream switches, for as good as they are, certainly have some very stiff competition now. Having said that, however, one of their greatest benefits now is that they are rarely out of stock at this point, meaning they are easily accessible despite the mess that has been the result of a global pandemic resulting in shortages on top of a skyrocketing demand for mechanical keyboards and switches.

In lieu of that, I still find them a delight to type on and as one of my all-time favorite switches. And I’ll always have a special place for them because they taught me that I really do love linear switches when they are done correctly and done well. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a quality linear switch with a medium-light weighting and one of the best sounds on the market, you likely will be satisfied with them. This is even more so if you end up lubricating them, a step I’ve not bothered with yet but have considered for a future project. And, if you, like me, find a large part of your enjoyment from mechanical keyboards the ability to test out different switches I would absolutely say they are a must-have for any enthusiast. They’re a great switch, but if you’re looking for one to rule them all, perhaps one of the newer linear options might be a better choice due to their break-in period and cost being as much as, if not more expensive, than other smoother options. One final consideration with regards to Cream switches is an unusual trait they have of odor, especially if kept in a sealed container. They do produce a distinctly pungent odor of fish. It quickly dissipates but becomes exceedingly strong if stored in an airtight container, such as old Tupperware.

Ultimately, Novelkeys Cream switches are popular, if divisive. They are an older design, at least in terms of the growing selection of diverse switch options, that was more innovative when first introduce than today. When introduced as the first mainstream entirely POM switch, they offered a unique experience not found elsewhere. And largely that holds true. The most common and easily available fully POM switches are either the original Cream design or the recently released Box Cream design. Both are produced by Kailh with similar traits but distinctly different enough to warrant a look at both. As of yet, I do not have any Box Cream switches. Until then, I still believe the original design is worth a look, and use, if you are looking for a mid-tier linear switch with a fantastic sound, so long as you’re willing to lubricate them or work them through their break-in period.