TTC Brother vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch stand out for their unique qualities. The Brother switch is praised for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and perfectly balanced tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a sharp typing feel. With a lower-than-average sound frequency and a textured, invigorating keystroke, this switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer unique characteristics that greatly influence the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have distinct advantages, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while POM offers a softer and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Brother's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound energy. Similarly, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing also provides a deeper and more muted sound, indicating a similarity in sound characteristics between the two switches. Despite the different housing materials used for the top and bottom, both switches maintain a focus on creating a pleasing and unique sound experience for users.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when key is released. The split between the two housing materials allows each component to contribute specific qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Brother or the deeper tone of POM in the NovelKeys Blueberry, both switches prioritize delivering a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, the Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Blueberry switch's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown while the Blueberry switch has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Brother switch might provide a lighter typing experience overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Blueberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. The difference in force between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Brother switch being lighter and the Blueberry switch being heavier, allowing users to choose based on their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that the Brother has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm while the Blueberry has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Brother offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Blueberry provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Brother offering speed and the Blueberry offering a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing a distinct and clear auditory experience. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch produces a lower-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a deeper tone that is clean and sharp. While the Brother switch leans towards a more traditional clicky sound, the Blueberry switch provides a unique and immersive auditory experience that may appeal to those looking for a different typing ambiance.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force of 37g that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped tactile feel provides a mild bump during keystrokes, adding a layer of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch boasts a snappy and invigorating typing experience, with a buttery-smooth keystroke that is uniform and effortless. The textured feel of the Blueberry switch adds an extra layer of tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced typing sensation.
Overall, while the TTC Brother and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer unique sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The Brother switch is ideal for those who enjoy a classic clicky sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Blueberry switch caters to individuals who prefer a sharper tactile bump and a snappy typing response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both can deliver excellent results for different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-press switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its gentle resistance and stepped feel provide a comfortable typing experience while delivering clear and precise clicks. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch might be more to your liking. With its snappy and invigorating feel, along with its buttery and textured characteristics, this switch offers a unique typing sensation that some users find exceptionally enjoyable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
