TTC Gold Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch, and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer a very sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who love a sharp typing feel. They also provide a lower-than-average sound frequency, making the typing experience deeper than average but not "thocky." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This unique sound profile adds to the overall typing experience, offering a different auditory sensation compared to the Gold Red.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Gold Red incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This can enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a punchier sound. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry uses a POM bottom housing, leading to a similar deep sound as the Gold Red. However, the POM material may offer a slightly different level of muting, leading to a subtle variation in the typing sound.
It is worth noting that the impact of the top and bottom housings is different for each switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, with the housing materials contributing to their distinct sound profiles and overall aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red exhibits a lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Blueberry offers a more substantial typing experience as it requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and imposes a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This disparity in force highlights a distinction between the two switches. Those who value a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods may gravitate towards the Gold Red, while those seeking a stronger push and a more significant typing feel might find the Blueberry more suitable. It's worth noting that both switches offer distinct experiences due to their force variations, ensuring that their users achieve their desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, so pressing down on either of these switches would result in a similar experience. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying travel distance, allowing for comfortable typing or gaming experiences. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent feedback and tactile response when using these switches. Whether you opt for the TTC Gold Red or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, you can expect a 4 mm travel distance, which strikes a good balance between comfort and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It offers a satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed and released, which is deep and rich in tone. This switch adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too loud or ostentatious. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch produces a lower-than-average sound frequency. It has a clean and sharp sound profile with a slightly higher pitch. While the Gold Red has a deeper sound, the Blueberry offers a more immersive auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by these switches also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Now, in terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. It has a gentle resistance and light-medium level of spring force, resulting in a safe and approachable typing feel. The keystroke is smooth and refined, providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience. It has a sharp and pronounced tactile bump, making it suitable for those who prefer a more responsive and reactive feel. The keystroke is buttery smooth and fluid, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Considering the available information, the Gold Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. It offers a mild and silky feel, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, producing a lower-than-average sound frequency that is clean and sharp. It offers a snappy and invigorating feel, with a buttery and textured keystroke.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a smoother typing experience and a deeper sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feel and a slightly higher-pitched sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall aesthetic and sound profile you desire for your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. They have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be the better option for you. These switches have a very sharp tactile bump, creating a sharp typing feel. The sound profile of the Blueberry switches is low-pitched and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, they are described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a responsive and immersive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between TTC Gold Red linear switches and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches boils down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red switches would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a lower-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Blueberry switches are the way to go. Consider your preferred typing feel and sound profile when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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