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ThereminGoat OP t1_isk1aem wrote

Hey all,

Continuing along a year of innovation in switch design by Kailh in 2022, how could I not take a (slightly belated) look at the new Novelkeys Dream Switches. Broken in 600,000 times before even leaving the factory, have Novelkeys and Kailh found a new switch which lives up to the dreamy title their name inspires, or have they actually uncovered a costly nightmare instead?

Website: https://www.theremingoat.com/

Article: https://www.theremingoat.com/blog/novelkeys-dream-cream-switch-review

Scorecard Repository: https://github.com/ThereminGoat/switch-scores

Force Curve Repository: https://github.com/ThereminGoat/force-curves

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theremingoat

As always, hope you all enjoy the review and thank you for continuing to support me week in and out. The collection is continuing to grow and I've got some awesome new additions on the horizon I can't wait to share with you all.

Cheers,

Goat

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_Administrator t1_isl01oz wrote

Legend himself. I used to read you alot during cold winter nights. Thank you!

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ThereminGoat OP t1_isl1kdl wrote

Appreciate the kind words but I've not gone anywhere! Still posting more content and adding more stuff to reviews with time.

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_Administrator t1_isl866e wrote

Point is that during summer I was busy, and during spring found my intermittent switch (simple Gateron Pro Silver prelubed).

I will definitely be back to reading once I will find a new board to build.

Keep up the highes levels of quality work! Once again, thank you!

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uwango t1_ism8qa3 wrote

Regarding the stem wobble, would there be merit to NK tightening the tolerance of the housing or stems by a few micrometers to better account for the break-in phase?

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CCO812 t1_iskw1o6 wrote

Yup, the switch does live up to the name

It's accurately colored to say the least

100

FreeFeez t1_iskrrqv wrote

This review is like one of the recipes you find online. Read the whole page and nothing was about the actual switch in question.

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ThereminGoat OP t1_isktc0b wrote

Betty Crocker x Goat Collab coming soon

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ajitama t1_islyvii wrote

If FreeFeez is talking about what I'm seeing, I have the same issue. The page for the review has all the pictures for the Cherry MX LP scissor-type switch .. and the text also looks like it too:

> Cherry’s brand new Ultra Low Profile switches, some of which were snipped directly off of the factory line, itself. Marked as MX6C K3NB for the clicky variants and MX6C T3NB for the tactile variant

The URL is correct though, says dream cream

Looks like something went wrong in the upload

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ThereminGoat OP t1_ism36bz wrote

First two sentences of the article:

"Historically, this pre-background background section has always been an area where I share meta-level updates about the collection, my life, or whatever else that comes to mind when I sit down to write reviews week in and out. While this certainly does its fair share in buffing out the word count on each review (even though I don’t get paid at all, nor by the word), I quite enjoy these sections as it offers me a chance to document additions to the collection that I may not have another reason to write about for some time. "

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ajitama t1_ism47yu wrote

Oh! Haha skimmers beware, all is as it should be. Thanks!

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Cooly-K t1_iskc31e wrote

Should've called it cloud switches

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codexcdm t1_isl817c wrote

Whipped Cream definitely sounds like a better option for a name....

Edit: Downvoted for reading the article and agreeing with a term used for worn-in Creams?

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Thurlan t1_iskz482 wrote

Using these switches currently, I love them. I did make the mistake of using these switches for my first attempt at lubing. They came out great but the color definitely made it more challenging.

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BKachur t1_isp34p1 wrote

The second set of switches I ever tried to hand lube were Everglide aqua kings, that are totally transparent. My eyes were bugging out trying to keep track of everything but at least I could see that I applied lube to each part before putting it back together. I bet these were even worse.

2

Yojimbo4133 t1_iskone1 wrote

Tldr?

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reasimoes t1_iskuy7m wrote

They are smoother than cream out of factory due to break-in, with little to no spring ping. A bit scratchy but can be almost eliminated with decent lubbing. The stem woble is huge and the spring has a bottom-out force of 71.9gf and scored 72/100

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[deleted] t1_isksfzb wrote

His articles have them, you actually have to click the link.

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Princeharperman t1_isl0rte wrote

Lmao in cahoots with “big cream.” Great review

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Crust3d t1_iskvszw wrote

Really fun read tbh

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havsabas t1_islbju5 wrote

North Pole review when?

6

n0ahhhhh t1_islq6n3 wrote

Do you have a particular tactile switch you recommend? I'm currently using Glorious Pandas, but after your scorecards, I'm inclined to try the U4T 62g's. :)

I guess I just want to build another keyboard, ha.

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Daftpunk67 t1_isms772 wrote

I recommend the U4T, in fact I use a spare one as like a fidget toy and I click it so much I have to hide it sometimes as it’s also distracting lol

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BKachur t1_isp6yga wrote

Depends on the sound you want, both switches are nice. I have a board with the U4Ts and just tuned a buddy's board with glorious pandas. The U4Ts, while a great feeling switch, are loud as shit, even after lubing them. When I play games online people frequently comment on how fucking loud the U4Ts, my favorite is "hey man, can you bang out that email later, we are trying to beat this raid boss." I eventually built another board with aqua kings and can't go back to bobas because they are downright disruptive when working/gaming long periods of time compared to the relatively silent aqua kings.

So the question you need to answer is how loud do you want your keyboard to be. Also, are your pandas lubed or unlubed? If they are lubed (not sure about the factory job, I handlubed with 2304), they are relatively quiet so the U4Ts will be a huge change in sound. If they are stock, then it will be comparable, but the bobas will still be louder. After I lubed a set of pandas, I ended up liking them better in terms of usability than my U4Ts. Sure they didn't feel as nice, but the sound was just better IMO. You should also consider the new Drop Holy Panda Xs, which are quite nice (and reviewed favorably by Goat as well). I got a set of them and they are indeed nicer than Glorious Panda (also expensive), and IMO have a really nice muted clacky profile when lubed. I'm currently lubing a full set of the Drop X to replace the U4Ts in my tactile board. But I tend to like a quieter switch over mega thok, which is why my favorite overall switch is the boba u4 (silent tactile) they retain 90% of the feel of the U4Ts and are quieter than anything discussed previously. I have U4s on my work board, and just build my GF a keyboard with them as well, although they lack the nice sounds from the other switches, it's all about the tactility.

So my recommendations, from lots of trial, error, and wasted money, are (1) to go for the U4Ts if you are a thok slut, (2) go for Drop X if you want to upgrade to your current setup, (3) if you want nice quiet clack either hand lube your pandas or hand lube the drop X and (4) go the U4s if you want a silent board.

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n0ahhhhh t1_ispyboz wrote

Oh man, thank you for mentioning the sound! I love quieter thocc's personally. I have lubed and filmed my pandas with Krytox 205G0. They're acceptable in terms of volume, but I really like the quieter, more subtle tactile sound.

I used to have these DSA PBT keycaps that made the most amazing sound ever - but I couldn't stand the profile, and it was very frustrating trying to type on it. I haven't been able to find a nice PBT keycap set (that I like), so I've been using the DCX Cyber set from Drop. Much nicer feel, but the sound is still a bit too loud for what I want.

Based on your write up, it sounds like BobaU4's are the answer?

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BKachur t1_isqlix2 wrote

That's funny you mention that, the keyboard I mentioned in my post with the pandas was a GMMK Pro with Mito Lazer, so very similar to what you are using, so very familiar with what you are working with.

If you are going to for a silent switch, the U4s is definitely your best bet, and would definitely check the boxes in terms of quiet switches. The only thing I'll note is that they are truly a silent switch, even quieter than my buddy's Filco with silent reds. This means there is minimal thock, if any, to really speak of. Now, this is perfect for a work keyboard, but I wonder if it maybe goes too far, so you aren't even getting the "subtle tactile sound" you are looking for. Typing on them atm, its basically nonexistent because it's so good as a silent switch. I think you may be happy with the lubed Drop X, they are quieter than the lubed pandas but still retain that nice tactile sound. But, they aren't exactly cheap.

I'm personally not a fan of sound tests online since there are always way too many variables to consider, but that may be helpful if you are on a tight budget. You may want to consider ordering at least some U4s to see if they fit the bill before you invest in a full set, but if you are ever going to be in the market for a work keyboard, they basically cannot be beaten, so I don't think you'd regret your purchase regardless.

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n0ahhhhh t1_isrms1k wrote

Eyyy, I have my pandas & Mito Cyber on a GMMK Pro too! A "work keyboard" is a great way of describing what I'd like. I do enjoy satisfying thocks and all that.. but that really quiet, almost bass-y, slightly muted thock sound... *chef's kiss*. I'll have to research the Drop X and the Boba's some more for sure.

1

PsyOmega t1_ismcxpo wrote

In my experience, Keychon low profile Mint is currently my end game. But since you're already on panda's that might be moot.

Switch history being: MX brown, Kailh PG1280 Red, Kailh Choc White OG's, Kailh Box reds, Kailh box heavy pale blue, kailh box navy, MX Black retools, logitech's kailh choc blue, now keychron mint.

Edit: cool,, downvote people for sharing opinions. Real non-toxic community behavior of y'all.

0

parad0x00_ t1_isncn3e wrote

^(downvoted for using cheap switches)

ah, what a reddit moment

−1

PsyOmega t1_iso02hu wrote

This subreddit has basically turned in to egoist snobbery of who can spend the most $$$ on an input device.

If i'd posted that ~2017 when this sub was still chill, it'd have gotten upvoted.

The only sub that's worse is the headphone subreddit.

4

plotinmybackyard t1_isoiui0 wrote

Hypebeast culture is a hell of a drug, and a good portion of the community can't get enough of it.

1

pandaboy22 t1_isnztim wrote

Probably for recommending a lo pro switch when talking about regular tactiles

3

SuperLuigiOnTheXBOX1 t1_ismzsfv wrote

I cannot look at this with a straight face. Out of ALL the names, they went with DREAM CREAM. It’s like if I were to name an all yellow switch “Piss Yellow Switches” except this is like 5x more sexual because dream cream sounds like a goofy way of saying wet dream. Saying “I’m going to lube and film Dream Creams” sounds like you’re going to film an adult video. At this point I won’t be surprised if there’s a new one soon and they decide to go all in and just call it Novelkeys Cum.

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zhrimb t1_iskx856 wrote

Getting reamed by the meme team for this dream cream thing

2

Kingsley014 t1_isnzibg wrote

Ah yes the wet dream switch

2

DirtyGingy t1_isn10ld wrote

The key take away here: these are less scratchy

Not "not scratchy"

Not "smooth"

They are less scratchy. Kailh could have just made smoother molds. I'd just recommend other switches for cheaper that perform better.

1

SKGA_ODD t1_isom2gv wrote

My chick gunna be raising eyebrows when I say I'm going to be "lubing a dream cream switch"

1

kinger2005-dastaria t1_islnu3a wrote

I think I wake up at night with these switches in my underwear

0

timception t1_isnjwag wrote

Scrolls down to the sound section, no clip 😳

0

honggie t1_isnj39e wrote

I use ttc gold pink right now. is it different?

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