NovelKeys Cream

The NovelKeys Cream is a light to medium weighted linear switch “Featuring housing and stem that is made out of self lubricating POM”. Yep, that’s a direct quite from NovelKeys’ website: NovelKeys Cream product page .

The closest switch in specs to the Creams are Gateron Yellows…which I’d like to point out is the better option, price to performance wise.

Smoothness: 4/10

On-centre keypresses are decently scratchy for almost all the switches at the start; however, they get a little smoother after several days of use.

Off-centre keypresses are even scratchier with some switches binding on the very edge of a keypress (mostly when gaming). It’s uncomfortable, annoying and difficult to predict – definitely a switch to stay away from.

Overall, they aren’t any good as stock switches. The Gateron Yellow is a more reasonable option here.

NovelKeys Crean switch disassembled.

Weighting: 7/10

Side by side against the Gateron Yellow, the Creams are definitely heavier and a bit more to my liking.

According to NovelKeys, these switches actuate at 55g and bottoms out at 70g which is on par with what I am feeling. This force curve from Manofinterests on KeebTalk pretty much lines up with NovelKeys’ claims with the bottom out force slightly exceeding 70g (though, this is normal).

Overall, these switches have a good weighting. If the pre-travel was a little heavier, I’d definitely give it a higher score.

Sound: 7/10

Sound is pretty good, though I’m testing on a new, better keyboard. So, no surprises here. However, I can hear the scratchiness from each keypress, especially with the backspace key which ruins the soundtrack.

Typing Performance: 5/10

Typing feels “okay”. I don’t feel the scratchiness as much when typing normally which I like. It doesn’t bind as often too, unlike when gaming.

However, I can still feel small instances of scratchiness especially when typing at a slower pace. It’s definitely not ideal.

Overall, it’s not too bad for typing, but I still would recommend against it as there are cheaper and better options out there.

Gaming Performance: 4/10

For a switch advertised as “a smooth and unique experience” – it disappoints for gaming.

Switches would constantly bind when pressed off-centre, distracting me. The never-ending scratchy nature also did not help in improving my gaming experience. This isn’t suitable for any top-level players, and casual gamers may look elsewhere too.

Overall, this really is a disappointing switch for gaming. The only one upside I can say is the weighting, as it does fit a majority of people including myself, gaming wise. The Gateron Yellow is by far the better option here.

Final Score = 27/50 (54%)

Places to purchase this switch:

AliExpress | Mechboards | NovelKeys