TTC Gold Brown vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available to suit your individual preferences. Two popular choices are the TTC Gold Brown and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, both of which fall into the tactile switch category. The Gold Browns are renowned for their balance, offering a slight yet satisfying bump and a pleasantly moderate weight. They possess a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches excel in providing a sharp and invigorating tactile bump, catering to those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. While they produce a lower-than-average sound frequency, they have a deeper yet non-"thocky" sound. These general aspects give you a glimpse into the distinctive traits of each switch. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in terms of their housing materials, which greatly influence the sound profiles they produce. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing. Polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct and resonant typing experience. In contrast, POM brings forth an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, albeit one that is deeper and relatively more muted. So, if you prefer a switch that offers a clearer and more resonant sound, the Gold Brown with its polycarbonate top housing would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a deeper and more subtle sound, the Blueberry with its POM top housing would be a better fit.

Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, while the Blueberry incorporates a POM bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to its unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Therefore, if you favor a switch with a rounder and fuller sound, the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing would be more suitable. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper and more muted sound, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing would offer a better option.

In summary, the overall sound profile of a switch is dependent on both its top and bottom housing materials. Each switch highlights different qualities based on its housing materials. While the Gold Brown offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Blueberry presents a pleasing and unique sound with its POM top housing. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Therefore, choosing between these switches depends on your preference for either a clear and resonant sound (Gold Brown) or a unique and muted sound (Blueberry).

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, the actuation force for both switches is the same at 55 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium, while the Blueberry has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which is heavy.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it suitable for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Blueberry switch. The extra resistance during bottoming out provides a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.

In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Gold Brown switch is lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Blueberry switch is heavier with a bottom out force of 80 grams. Depending on individual preferences, typing needs, and desired typing experience, users can choose the appropriate switch that suits their requirements.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience provided by both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a balanced experience. It has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced users, as well as for use at home or in an office setting. The sound of the Gold Brown switch is generally softer than most switches, creating a rounded sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a lower-than-average sound frequency. It has a deeper tone, but not to the extent of being "thocky." The Blueberry switch has a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Gold Brown being more neutral and the Blueberry having a low-pitched and resonant sound. The final sound result will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing sensation. The Gold Brown switch is often described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is considered accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is snappy and invigorating. It has a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a responsive feel. The Blueberry switch also offers a smooth and buttery keystroke experience and is described as invigorating. Some users may prefer the textured feel of the Blueberry switch, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. Overall, the Gold Brown switch offers a more approachable and buttery typing feel, while the Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating experience.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch has a balanced sound profile, with a slight, satisfying bump and a softer overall sound. It provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery keystroke. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch has a lower-than-average sound frequency, with a sharp tactile bump. It offers a snappy and invigorating typing feel, with a pronounced feedback. While the Gold Brown switch is more neutral and approachable, the Blueberry switch provides a unique low-pitched and resonant sound. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and preferences, allowing users to select based on their desired sound and feel experience. Whether choosing the Gold Brown or the Blueberry, users can expect satisfying and enjoyable results.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a balanced and versatile switch that provides a satisfying tactile experience without being too heavy, the TTC Gold Brown would be a great choice. With a moderate bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a medium weightiness that is approachable to most users. The Gold Brown has a slight, satisfying bump and a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. Associated with descriptors like "neutral," "mild," "buttery," and "accented," this switch provides a comfortable and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and more pronounced tactile bump accompanied by a lower-pitched sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be an excellent option. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, it offers a snappy and invigorating typing sensation. The Blueberry switch has a sharp tactile bump and a sound profile that is deeper than average but not "thocky." Descriptors like "low-pitched," "resonant," "buttery," "textured," and "stiff" are commonly associated with this switch, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more intense and reactive typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry depends on your preferences for weight, tactility, sound, and overall typing feel. Whether you appreciate a balanced and refined switch or a more intense and pronounced typing experience, both options have their unique properties to cater to different user preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more