In the world of mechanical keyboards, there’s a new contender for the throne of smoothness – creamy switches. These specially designed switches, like the much-talked-about Novelkeys Cream, offer a glide that is as smooth as silk with the durability hardcore gamers demand. If you’re seeking a whisper-quiet yet responsive gaming experience, the soft actuation of creamy switches might just be what your fingertips are craving. So, let’s get started!
Novelkeys Cream
The Novelkeys Cream switches are a great option for anyone looking for a backlit mechanical gaming keyboard. These linear switches have 4mm travel, 2mm operating, 55g actuation, and 70g bottom out. The housing and stem are made out of self-lubricating POM, so they provide a smooth and unique experience. Plus they feature MX style latching for the housing.
Right out of the box these switches feel very smooth with just the right amount of tactile bump for speed gamers. After lubing them up, they become even smoother and have a nice sound when typing and gaming. With heavy usage over time you may need to relube them to keep them.
One potential downside is that they can be scratchy out of the box with some spring crunch sound like chalk on a sidewalk – but this can easily be fixed after lubing them up again or by frankensteching with their amazing stems! All-in-all though, if you’re looking for creamy switches that will give you an edge in your gaming performance – look no further than Novelkeys Cream Switches!
Akko V3 Cream Yellow
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro Keyboard Switch is a great choice for anyone looking for an incredibly smooth switch. It comes with 45 switches and a plastic tray, making it ideal for gaming keyboards that require multiple switches. With an approximate lifespan of 60 million keystrokes due to its laboratory durability tests, you can rest assured this product is reliable and will last. Additionally, it’s compatible with most keycap sets with (X) cross stem and boasts 18mm extension spring and POM/PC/PA materials – perfect for customizing your lighting effects with the built-in LED slot.
However, these switches are only compatible with hot swappable keyboards and Outemu boards so won’t work on plateless keyboards due to their 3 pin design. Plus they come at a higher price point than usual which may be off-putting if you’re on a budget. Lastly, the green tint may interfere when viewed from side on backlight board with north facing LEDs which might not be what you’re looking for if you’re after something more subtle or uniform in coloration.
But overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro Keyboard Switch would make an excellent addition to any setup thanks to its light actuation force and heavy keys allowing improved typing speed without needing lube out of the box!
Tangerine Linear Switches
If you’re in the market for quality linear switches, the Tangerine Linear Switches are an excellent choice. They come with a UHMWPE shell and POM stem for a smooth typing experience, as well as metal shrapnel and spring gilded plus a pre-lubed orange shaft. Plus, they offer three different operating forces from which to choose. I recently got these switches myself and was really impressed – not only did they arrive early but their quality is top-notch! Typing and gaming felt great on them – enough resistance for accuracy without feeling tedious or uncomfortable. Even when I had an issue with one of my pins being bent, it was easily fixed. All in all, these switches are definitely worth considering if you want creamy linear switches that will last!
Gateron Ink Black V2
The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great switch for those who desire smooth, silent key presses. It has a 60g actuation force and 70g bottom out force, making it perfect for gamers. With lubing and filming you can reduce spring ping, and these switches perform amazingly well in Keychron K2 hotswap keyboards. The downside is that they can be pricier than other options on the market and take up to a month to arrive if ordering extra 20 from China. But despite this, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent switch that offers great tactile feedback without excessive noise – definitely worth considering!
Durock Creamy Green
If you’re a gamer looking for reliable and customizable keyboard, then the Durock Creamy Green Linear Switches are an excellent choice. Featuring a 62g bottom out force, 5 pins, and 4mm total travel distance, these switches provide gamers with quick response time and smooth operation. The top shell is crafted from polycarbonate while the bottom is made of polymer nylon with a POM stem and gold-plated springs. Plus, it has special design stems made of POM material which make it ideal for RGB/Backlit keyboards. Pre-lubed smokey shells, creamy green stems and 60 million operations lifespan also make these switches stand out from competitors like Alpaca Linear Keyswitch or BANANA SPLIT switches. With all these features combined, you can be sure to get an incredible mechanical keyboard experience that can be further customized to fit your needs.
Linear Switches: The Smooth Operators of the Keyboard World
Have you ever wished your typing experience could be as smooth as a glassy lake at dawn? Linear switches might just be your answer. Known for their smooth action, these switches are often the go-to choice for many avid gamers. However, they might not be everyone’s cup of tea – especially if you’re transitioning from tactile switches, which offer a bump midway through the press alerting you that the keystroke has registered. Don’t worry though, no one said change was easy, but sometimes it’s worth it.
Embracing Change: What to Anticipate During Your Transition
First up, let’s manage some anticipations. If tactile or clicky switches are your usual jam, you might find yourself regularly bottoming out with linear switches at first. This can lead to a touch of discomfort or even the odd finger twinge. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! Much like wearing in a fresh pair of kicks, getting the hang of linear switches can turn into a delightful and enjoyable experience.
Are Linear Switches Right For You?
Allow me to share a bit of friendly advice. If you’re only just dipping your toes into the vast pool of mechanical keyboards, diving straight into linear switches might be a tad challenging. Their lack of tactile feedback could lead to frequent bottoming out, which can be a tad annoying. But don’t let this deter you from venturing into this exciting realm! A plethora of other switch options await your exploration.
Game On With Linear Speed Switches
Now if gaming is your passion – here’s where things start getting interesting. Many gamers swear by linear speed switches for that potential competitive edge. They’re popular for their rapid actuation point – meaning quicker response times during those heated gaming sessions. Check out options from brands like Cherry MX and Kailh for some of the best gaming switch choices in town.
The DIY Aspect: Lubricating Your Switches
If you’ve decided to dive into the world of linear switches and are willing to get your hands a little dirty (or rather oily), there’s room for customization too! Lubricating your switches can make them even smoother by reducing friction between the housing and stem of a switch. Be warned though – this isn’t an afternoon project! It’s time-intensive and requires tools like lubricant, switch puller, and keycap puller – so make sure to plan ahead and equip yourself properly before diving in.
Want more information on how to do it? Check out this comprehensive guide on lubing keyboard switches.
Taking It A Step Further: Installing Switch Film
If perfection is what you seek in your typing experience, consider installing switch film on your linear switches. This can address small imperfections caused during production that might result in slight wobble or shaking when typing – making your keyboard feel more stable and quiet.
In Conclusion…
As we conclude our exploration of the best creamy switches on the market, it’s clear that this innovation in keyboard technology is more than a passing trend. With their unique blend of whisper-quiet operation and butter-like actuation, switches like the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Durock Creamy Green are redefining what it means to have a smooth typing experience. Whether you’re gaming into the night or crafting your latest work, these creamy switches are set to be the keystones of comfort and performance on your desk.