An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying click sound profile and crunchiness when typing. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a sharp typing feel. It has a lower-than-average sound frequency, which adds to its appeal. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them desirable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
50g
55g
60g
80g
1.80 mm
3.00 mm
3.60 mm
4.00 mm
No
No
Box
Standard
POM
POM
Polycarbonate
POM
Nylon
POM
Plate (3-pin)
PCB (5-pin)
Kailh Box spring
Stainless steel
The Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry have different materials in their top housings. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the NovelKeys Blueberry has a POM top housing. The polycarbonate material of the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM material of the Blueberry produces a deeper and more muted sound. This creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is distinct from the Box Jade. While both switches are designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience, the difference in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material, while the NovelKeys Blueberry uses a POM material. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry also offers a deeper sound profile, but it is relatively more muted compared to the Box Jade. Both switches provide a pleasing and unique typing experience, but the difference in bottom housing materials leads to subtle variations in sound.
When it comes to typing on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel. The material of the bottom housing plays a significant role in defining these qualities. On the other hand, the top housing is responsible for the sound when you release a key. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted sound, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry can be made based on the material of their top and bottom housings. Regardless, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, meaning a lighter push is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Blueberry has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade has a medium 60 gram force, while the Blueberry has a heavier 80 gram force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer periods of typing, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for smoother and faster typing. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Blueberry would be a better option. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more tactile feedback, allowing for more precise and deliberate keystrokes.
Overall, while the Box Jade offers a lighter actuation force and a medium bottom out force, the Blueberry provides a heavier actuation force and a heavier bottom out force. This means that the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that the Blueberry switch has a longer travel distance than the Jade switch. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the NovelKeys Blueberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Blueberry switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance compared to the Jade switch. Both of these travel distances fall within the range of traditional switch travel distances, with 4 mm being the most common. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Jade switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Blueberry switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched sound profile with crisp and crunchy clicks. This switch produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a lower-than-average sound frequency, which is a little deeper than average but not "thocky." This switch offers a clean and sharp sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade is described as an accented switch with a medium amount of tactility. It provides a prominent tactile bump that is not overwhelming nor subtle, giving a satisfying typing experience. These switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Similarly, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. It is described as a snappy switch, which means it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, these switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, it is unknown if they have any noticeable texture or if they require a higher amount of force to actuate.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched sound profile with crisp clicks and a medium amount of tactility. It provides a satisfying typing experience with pronounced feedback and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a lower-pitched sound profile and is described as snappy and buttery. While the Blueberry switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, its specific texture and actuation force requirements are unknown. Both switches offer unique characteristics and an immersive typing experience.
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, creating a satisfying typing sensation with their crunchy tactile bumps and crisp clicks. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactile feel and a lower-pitched sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches provide a sharp tactile bump and a clean, resonant sound profile. They offer a snappy and reactive feel, ensuring a lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and the NovelKeys Blueberry comes down to your preferences for typing experience and sound.