Disregarding the insert, the Novelkeys Cream+ switches are about as average as they come: fairly smooth with some small grain scratch issues and overall firm and slightly unbalanced housing collisions. The titanium insert, however, provides a strong, flat, metallic clap at the end of the downstroke that makes itself the center of attention of the switch while not detracting from the other performance characteristics. Wobble The stem wobble, and especially that in the N/S direction is better in the Oil Kings than the 8008 Ink switches, which really stands to highlight the mold and design-based improvements that Gateron has made in the past few years. Using the newer Cream family molds which were shown extensively in 2022, the Cream+ switches have a minor amount of N/S and E/W stem wobble that likely won’t bother the vast majority of users and is comparable to wobble from other well-known manufacturers. Sound The Gateron CJ switches are marginally louder than the Oil Kings at topping out, and have a slightly higher-pitched sound than that of the Oil Kings. It should also be noted that across a small batch of both of these switches that the CJs had a slightly more consistent sounding topping out to them, even if they were not all that great sounding.

Silicone Inserts: While the same points can be made about the wobble and general push feel of the Cream+ switches with silicone inserts at 34,000 actuations, they surprisingly seem to reduce the presence of that spring ping that was beginning to creep in at this point.To be entirely honest, the changes with respect to scratch between 34,000 and 51,000 actuations are both strange and outside of my ability to explain. While there is still that same noticeable improvement with respect to smoothness in push feel that was previously noted, the switches sound distinctively more scratchy at 51,000 actuations.

Introducing the Gateron Oil King Switches - the ultimate choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. These switches are designed to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, making them perfect for both gaming and typing. The Gateron Oil King switches are made with a unique oil-immersed design, which helps to reduce friction and improve the overall feel of the switch. This results in a smooth and consistent keystroke, with a satisfying linear feel. The oil also helps to prolong the life of the switch, making it more durable and long-lasting.

In addition to the point about sounding more scratchy, the Cream+ switches at 51,000 actuations sound as if they may be slightly more pingy than their 34,000 actuation counterparts, but it’s hard to draw a definitive line. Copper Inserts: I’m not entirely certain as to how this only showed up at 51,000 actuations, but the Cream+ switches with copper inserts almost appear to have a more amplified scratch and spring ping sound than either of the other inserts. I’m almost suspecting that this may be a batch-specific issue as the copper inserts didn’t have really any other points of note about them at other break-in times.