Kailh Box Cream vs NovelKeys Cream
The Kailh Box Cream and the NovelKeys Cream are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Kailh Box Cream is lighter to actuate (38g versus 55g); travel is 3.5 mm on the Kailh Box Cream and 4 mm on the NovelKeys Cream; stock they sound different: deep, thocky versus deep, poppy clack when broken in.
- Cheaper per switchKailh Box Cream$0.35 versus $0.65
Choose the Kailh Box Cream if
- you want a switch popular for self-lubricating POM.
- you want a lighter keystroke (38g).
- you want to spend less per switch.
Choose the NovelKeys Cream if
- you want a switch popular for lubing projects.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (55g).
Kailh Box Cream vs NovelKeys Cream, spec by spec
| Kailh Box Cream | NovelKeys Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 38g | 55g |
| Bottom-out force | 50g | 70g |
| Pre-travel | 1.8 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.5 mm | 4 mm |
| Stem | POM | POM |
| Top housing | POM | POM |
| Bottom housing | POM | POM |
| Spring | single-stage | n/a |
| Factory lube | none | none |
| Pins | 3-pin | 5-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.35 (stronger spec) | $0.65 |
| Sound profile | deep, thocky | deep, poppy clack when broken in |
| Released | n/a | 2019 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
6% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Kailh Box Cream; 70% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the NovelKeys Cream.
16% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Kailh Box Cream; 57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the NovelKeys Cream.
30% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Kailh Box Cream; 87% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the NovelKeys Cream.
Where to buy the Kailh Box Cream
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the NovelKeys Cream
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
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