TKC Kiwi vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that is best known for its medium to medium-strong bump that enhances the typing experience. With a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, this switch delivers a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is also a tactile switch but stands out with its very sharp tactile bump. This makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. Furthermore, the Blueberry switches offer a lower-than-average sound frequency, providing a deep yet not "thocky" sound while typing. Both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, offering a different 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

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have distinct characteristics, resulting in contrasting typing experiences. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In contrast, the Blueberry switches opt for POM housing material for both the top and bottom, creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Despite the variations, both switches offer unique and pleasing sounds during typing.

The difference in housing materials is most noticeable in the sound produced when typing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi imparts a bright and resonant clack sound when typing, giving it a distinctive and lively audio experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper sound profile, which is relatively more muted compared to the Kiwi. This characteristic provides a quieter and more understated typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a more subtle sound.

Furthermore, the housing materials also affect the feel of the switches. While the housing materials are the same for both the top and bottom of the Kiwi switches, in the Blueberry switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom. This means that the bottom housing of the Blueberry has a more significant impact on the overall sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing the key, offering a distinctive auditory experience during both typing and key release.

In summary, the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Kiwi's UHWMPE housing material provides a bright and resonant clack sound signature, while the Blueberry's POM housing material creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in the Blueberry switches further affects the feel and sound produced during typing and key release. Despite the differences, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound qualities, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Blueberry's 55 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter touch when typing. Additionally, the Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down the key. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for extended periods, the Kiwi would be a suitable choice. Conversely, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience may opt for the Blueberry switch. It is important to consider the weight of the switches based on personal preferences and the specific use case, as different typing experiences can cater to different needs.

Travel distance

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on either of these switches, users will feel a consistent 4 mm distance from the top to the bottom. This ensures a consistent key-press experience regardless of which switch is used.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the TKC Kiwi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Kiwi switches have a neutral sound, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches offer a resonant sound experience, with a higher-pitched profile that provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Accented switches, in this context, refer to medium tactile switches that offer a prominent amount of tactility without being too overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to either the materials used or factory lubing. On the other side, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. They offer a super responsive typing experience with a snappy and reactive feel due to longer or dual-staged springs. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. However, these switches also have a textured or scratchy feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Lastly, Blueberry switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making them stiffer compared to other switches.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches have a satisfyingly snappy sound profile with a medium to medium-strong bump, while the Blueberry switches provide a sharper tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency. The Kiwi switches feel stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Blueberry switches feel snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a super responsive and immersive typing sensation with noticeable friction. While these switches have distinct characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup, including the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the final typing experience. Similar results can be achieved depending on the user's preferences and setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The sound profile of the Kiwi switch is low-pitched and neutral, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in various settings.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be a better option. These switches offer a clean and sharp sound profile, and they are described as resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi switch is stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating, delivering a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback.

Finally, let's talk about the bottom out force. The TKC Kiwi has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. If you prefer a lighter key press, the Kiwi switch would be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a heavier and more tactile typing experience, the Blueberry switch would be the way to go.

Overall, the TKC Kiwi and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different characteristics and qualities. The choice between them mainly depends on your personal preferences regarding bump strength, sound profile, feel, and bottom out force. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision to enhance your typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.

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