KiiwiNovelKeys Cream vs Alpaca sound
Two of the most popular premium linears, and the pair people most often weigh against each other. Both are smooth with no bump and no click. Type below and switch between them to hear the difference in tone.
Type the words below, then switch above. Headphones make the difference obvious.
The short answer
The Cream is deeper and fuller; the Alpaca is softer and rounder. Neither has a bump or a click, so the difference is all in the tone of the bottom-out.
NovelKeys Cream
The Cream is made entirely of POM, a self-lubricating plastic, for both the housing and the stem. That gives it a deeper tone than most linears. It's known for feeling slightly scratchy at first and smoothing out as it breaks in. It's Kiiwi's default switch because it sits in the middle of everything.
Alpaca
The Alpaca became a community favourite for how evenly it travels: nothing interrupts the press between the top and the bottom, so the sound is almost all bottom-out. What you hear is a soft, rounded thock rather than a sharp clack.
At a glance
| NovelKeys Cream | Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Known for | All-POM build, deeper tone | Even travel, soft thock |
| Tone | Deep, full bodied | Soft, rounded thock |
| Click | No | No |
Questions
Which is deeper, NovelKeys Cream or Alpaca?
The Cream. Its all-POM build gives it a deeper, fuller tone. The Alpaca is softer and rounder.
Are Creams and Alpacas quiet?
Yes, as linears go. Neither has a bump or a click, so almost all of the sound is the key bottoming out.
Which is better for typing, Cream or Alpaca?
Both are smooth linears, so it comes down to the tone you like. Type the same sentence on each above and pick the one that sounds right.
Can I hear NovelKeys Cream on my Mac?
Yes. The Cream is Kiiwi's default switch, and Kiiwi plays the Alpaca too, both under the keyboard you already own.
Get these sounds on your Mac
Kiiwi has all 38 recordings, these included, and plays them under the keyboard you already own. In your headphones or on your speakers, from the menu bar. $4.99 once.
Download for macOS