Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Keygeek Raw, a linear switch, and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch. The Keygeek Raw is unique with its Nylon and UMPE blend, offering a creamy and lightweight typing experience, perfect for those who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a sharp typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Raw switch is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, invigorating, and stiff. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches both utilize unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Keygeek Raw switches feature a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches use a POM top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw switches is known for its sound profile being on the deeper side, similar to the POM top housing of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches. Both housing materials offer a more muted sound compared to other switch types.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw switches utilize a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, also exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches use a POM bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw switches impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the POM bottom housing of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offers a similar effect. Both bottom housings contribute to a unique typing experience and provide a satisfying feel when pressing down on the keys.
While the housing materials for the Keygeek Raw and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches may differ, the overall typing experience and sound profile are quite similar due to their respective properties. The exclusive blend of Nylon & UPE in the Keygeek Raw switches and the use of POM material in the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches both offer a pleasing and somewhat muted sound that is on the deeper side. Whether it's the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, or the influence of the top housing on the release sound, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a relatively light actuation force of None grams and a medium bottom out force of 57.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. This makes the Keygeek Raw the lighter option of the two, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier choice. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and typing style, as lighter switches may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry provides a deeper and more deliberate key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Keygeek Raw being the shorter option and the NovelKeys Blueberry offering a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp auditory experience. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a textured and mild typing experience with a subtle resistance, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a snappy and buttery typing sensation with invigorating feedback and a stiff actuation force requirement. The Blueberry switch also features a textured feel that adds to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, textured typing experience, while the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a low-pitched, resonant sound and a snappy, buttery typing sensation. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw Linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider the bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel of each switch. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a unique material blend that provides a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump for a more immersive typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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