When it comes to the sound characteristics of keyboards, enthusiasts often use terms like creamy, thocky, or clacky. Today we're focusing on creamy keyboards—a sound profile known for its soft, muted acoustics and a particularly smooth typing feel.
What is a Creamy keyboard?
A creamy keyboard is characterized by a smooth, "buttery" keystroke with a soft and unobtrusive sound profile. The term creamy is primarily used to describe the sound of mechanical keyboards.
Characteristics of a Creamy Sound:
The sound is soft and muted, with no shrill or high-frequency clicks.
There are no “scratching” or “clattering” noises – this ensures a smooth typing rhythm.
The sound is mostly in the low to mid frequency range, without metallic or piercing tones.
Which switches provide a creamy sound?
Linear switches are often used for a creamy typing experience. They offer a smooth keystroke with little actuation force and no tactile feedback. These switches produce a deep, smooth sound without loud clicks. However, there are also tactile switches that can produce a creamy sound.
Some switches achieve this sound through a special combination of spring tension, shaft materials and precise manufacturing.
Which Akko switches are creamy?
Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro – Ideal for those looking for smooth, linear switches with muted, deep-sounding acoustics and a buttery smooth typing feel.
Akko V3 Cream Black Pro – Offers the deepest creamy sound and further enhances the smooth typing experience.
Akko Starlit Switch – Perfect for those who prefer a soft, creamy typing feel with a touch of bounce.
Lubricated and stabilized stabilizers
Lubricating the switches is one of the most effective ways to achieve a creamy sound – it reduces friction and eliminates scratchy noises.
Stabilizers play a crucial role in reducing rattling noise and ensuring consistent keystrokes—especially on larger keys like the spacebar or shift keys. Poorly adjusted stabilizers result in noise and a scratchy typing feel, significantly impairing the smooth typing experience.
Keycaps
The material of the keycaps directly influences the sound transmission and resonance of the keyboard.
- ABS keycaps are relatively hard and less dense. They produce a brighter and clearer sound when typing.
- PBT keycaps are more robust and dense, resulting in a duller but fuller sound.
The profile of the keycaps also plays a role. Cherry profile keycaps have a longer key travel, which extends the actuation and rebound of the switches. This produces a deeper and more stable sound.
Housing & Mounting Style
The material of the case and the assembly method influence both the typing feel and the sound of the keyboard.
A soft and flexible casing, such as a PC casing (polycarbonate), supports a smooth typing feel.
An aluminum housing, on the other hand, can provide a deeper, richer sound.
The best choice for a creamy typing experience is the Gasket Mount. This uses foam or silicone seals to create a soft, springy, and cushioned typing experience.
Sound-insulating materials
Internal noise dampening helps minimize cavity sounds and unnecessary resonances in the keyboard.
Inserting silicone pads or foam pieces into cavities and corners absorbs excess energy when typing and prevents echo.
In addition, sound-absorbing cotton (foam or insulation) further improves the sound by filtering out certain frequencies, resulting in a clearer and more controlled sound when typing.
Creamy vs. Thocky vs. Clacky – A Comparison
| feature | Creamy | Thocky | Clacky |
| sound | Soft, smooth, fine | Deep, bass-heavy, rich | Sharp, clear, high frequency |
| Timbre | Soft, smooth | Deep and bassy | Bright, metallic, shrill |
| stop | Cushioned, padded | Firm, powerful | Crisp, energetic |
| Typing feel | Effortless, buttery smooth | Solid, well cushioned | Responsive, direct |
| Ideal for | Fluent typing |
Noticeable key feedback |
Fans, fast writers |
A creamy sound is ideal for those who prefer a smooth, comfortable typing experience with minimal noise.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a deep, rich and bass-heavy sound with a noticeable keystroke, a thocky keyboard is exactly what you need.
For those who like a crisp, bright, and precise typing sound, a clacky keyboard with its clear and energetic sound profile is ideal.
Are creamy keyboards suitable for work?
1. Pleasant sound for the work environment
Creamy keyboards are characterized by a soft and subtle sound—no harsh or annoying noises. In a quiet office environment, this gentle typing sound won't disturb colleagues and will also provide pleasant acoustic feedback while typing.
2. Smooth keystrokes promote efficient work
The smooth, buttery keystrokes of a Creamy keyboard can reduce finger strain and provide a particularly comfortable typing experience – ideal for longer work sessions or frequent typists.
However, for users who prefer strong tactile feedback, typing on a creamy keyboard may feel too soft or undefined. Especially when typing quickly or with precise input, the keystroke may feel less distinct—which can lead to a subjective feeling of a lack of feedback.
The best Akko keyboards for a creamy typing experience
Monsgeek M1 V5 VIA – Custom Mechanical Keyboard
The Monsgeek M1 V5 VIA is a high-quality mechanical keyboard specifically designed for enthusiasts seeking a soft, dampened, and exceptionally comfortable typing experience. With its aluminum chassis, gasket-mounted construction, and VIA compatibility, it offers ideal conditions for a smooth typing experience.
Highlights of the Monsgeek M1 V5 VIA:
- Gasket-mount design: Provides a flexible and cushioned typing experience with reduced bottom-out impact – ideal for smooth and extended typing.
- Full aluminum housing: Not only offers a high-quality feel, but also improves sound insulation for a pleasant, quiet typing sound.
- VIA compatibility: Allows easy customization of key assignments, macros, and lighting – without any programming knowledge.
- Factory-installed sound insulation: Multiple layers of foam inside the enclosure ensure a muted, creamy sound without disturbing resonances.
- Hot-swappable PCB: Supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches – ideal for those who want to individually select their switches or change them regularly.
- Quick-disassembly design: The case can be opened without tools – perfect for quick modifications or cleaning.
Akko 5075B Plus Mechanical Keyboard
If you're looking for an affordable wireless keyboard with a smooth, cushioned, and creamy typing feel, the Akko 5075B Plus is the right choice.
Features of the Akko 5075B Plus:
- Gasket-mount design: Provides a soft, springy typing feel and reduces harsh keystrokes – ideal for long, comfortable typing sessions.
- Hot-swappable PCB: Equipped with Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches, known for their silky-smooth action and deep, smooth tone, you can easily swap out the switches to suit your taste.
- Foam insulation inside: Minimizes high-frequency noise and significantly enhances the creamy sound effect.
- Wireless and flexible: Supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless as well as USB-C – perfect for flexible use at work or on the go.
Conclusion
Everyone has their own ideas and preferences when it comes to keyboard sound. Whether you prefer a soft, smooth creamy sound or a deep, rich, thudding sound, with the right combination of switches, stabilizers, mounting system, and sound-dampening materials, you can create the perfect keyboard for your ideal typing experience.
In the end, what matters is that the sound of your keyboard should not only sound good, but also feel good.
