Outemu Crystal vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer unique typing experiences with their distinct features. The Crystal switches are linear and provide a fairly elastic feel, coupled with a medium-light weight, resulting in a one-of-a-kind typing sensation. Furthermore, their neutral sound profile ensures a pleasant and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches boast a highly pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and responsive typing feel. While typing on these switches, you can expect a lower-than-average sound frequency, slightly deeper than average but not "thocky." Both switches have their own merits and characteristics that make them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches provide distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate adds clarity and resonance to the sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to use lighting effects. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. The POM material creates a pleasing and unique sound that is distinct from the Crystal's sound profile.

When comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, their respective housing materials determine the qualities that are emphasized when pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or POM, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and the overall feel of pressing down a key. As the bottom housing plays a key role in the sound and tactile feedback during keypress, the differences between the Crystal's sharper and crisper sound and the Blueberry's deeper and more muted sound can be attributed to their bottom housings. Conversely, the top housing, which is also either polycarbonate or POM, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Depending on the switch, the top housing can contribute to the overall sound profile and the sensation of a key returning to its resting position.

In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, particularly their polycarbonate and POM components, greatly impact the resulting sound profiles. The Crystal, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, offers a sharper, crisper sound with clear resonance, making it suitable for users desiring a higher-pitched sound and vibrant lighting effects. Meanwhile, the Blueberry, utilizing POM for both top and bottom housings, produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a stronger influence on the overall sound and feel during keypress, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a quicker and more responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Blueberry requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without excessive force. On the other hand, the Blueberry boasts a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, giving a more solid and impactful keystroke.

Considering these differences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience with quicker response times may lean towards the Crystal switch. This can be beneficial for tasks that require extended periods of typing or for gamers who want to reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a heavier typing experience, providing a satisfying and substantial keystroke.

In summary, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, resulting in a more lightweight and responsive typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a heavier and more substantial feel for a satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Although the specific information regarding the distance is not mentioned, it is clear that both switches offer a consistent and equal experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Crystal or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound it produces is not overly rich or bassy, but rather clean and crisp. It has been described as chirpy, which means it may have a slight squeak to it. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a lower-than-average sound frequency. Although it is not specifically described as chirpy, it offers a deep and resonant sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clean and sharp sound profile, the Crystal switch would be a good option, while the Blueberry switch offers a deeper and more immersive auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a fairly elastic type feel. This unique characteristic gives it a medium-light weight, resulting in a distinctive linear typing experience. The switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and leads to smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump. This means that when pressing the keys, you will feel a pronounced and snappy feedback. It is described as snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating, all of which contribute to a responsive and immersive typing sensation. If you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience with reduced friction, the Crystal switch would be a good choice. However, if you enjoy a lively and invigorating typing feel with pronounced feedback, the Blueberry switch would be a better option.

Taking all the available information into consideration, we can see that the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal switch provides a unique linear typing experience with medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile. It is known for its polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch offers a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency. It provides a snappy and invigorating typing feel with pronounced feedback. It is important to consider individual preferences when choosing between these switches, as the Crystal switch focuses on a smooth and polished typing experience, while the Blueberry switch offers a more lively and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a fairly elastic feel and have a bottom out force of 55 grams. Additionally, they offer a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be more suitable for you. These switches have a very pronounced tactile bump and produce a lower-than-average sound frequency. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch is described as chirpy and high-pitched, while the Blueberry switch is described as low-pitched and resonant. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth typing experience, while the Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a responsive and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, typing feel, and sound profile.

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