TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On one hand, the Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience that is neutral in sound, suitable for a variety of settings from gaming to office work. Meanwhile, the Blueberry switches boast a sharp tactile bump that is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel, with a slightly lower-than-average sound frequency for a satisfying 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, we see that both switches have unique characteristics that differentiate them in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the Blueberry, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches feature a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent quality that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Blueberry's POM top housing has a more solid and opaque appearance. Additionally, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry maintains a deep and muted sound. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering not only the sound profile but also the visual appeal of a switch when making a selection for a mechanical keyboard.
When considering the overall typing experience, the housing materials of both switches play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro creates a sharp and clear sound when pressing down on a key, while the softer POM top housing of the Blueberry produces a deeper and more subdued sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro contributes to a fuller sound upon bottoming out a key, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry maintains a consistent deep sound throughout typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The Gold Red Pro lacks information on its bottom out force, whereas the Blueberry has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Red Pro, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the Blueberry switch is more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on the desired actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Gold Red Pro linear switch from TTC has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. A 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the Gold Red Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and tactile feedback, so regardless of your choice, you can expect a similar level of performance in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for a broad range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a lower-than-average sound frequency with a resonant and sharp tone that can create an immersive auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Red Pro may be more versatile, while the Blueberry switch offers a unique and sharp typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel, offering pronounced feedback and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Gold Red Pro switch may offer a more subtle and approachable experience, while the Blueberry switch provides a snappier and more responsive feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro switch is versatile with a neutral sound and a polished, smooth feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a snappy, invigorating feel that caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, and depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can expect different but equally satisfying results from each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a versatile switch that offers an effortless typing experience suitable for various settings, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump and a slightly deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your typing style, auditory preferences, and the setting in which you plan to use the keyboard. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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