KTT Laurel vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Laurel and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer contrasting experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Laurel, a linear switch, boasts a medium-light actuation force and a responsive feel due to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. With its subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch offers a comfortable yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch known for its sharp and distinctive tactile bump, perfect for those seeking a pronounced typing feel. Despite having a lower-than-average sound frequency, these Blueberry switches provide a deeper sound without being excessively "thocky." While these general descriptions can give you an overview of the switches, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, it becomes evident that they are both constructed with POM (polyoxymethylene) as the top and bottom housing material. This means that both switches will have similar sound profiles, producing a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively muted. The POM housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound experience, providing a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the qualities each housing brings to the switch are split between the bottom and the top. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch down. This means that the POM bottom housing of both the Laurel and the Blueberry will heavily influence the sound and tactile experience when pressing the keys. Users can expect a consistent and smooth bottom-out feeling with a low-pitched sound thanks to the POM bottom housing.
On the other hand, the top housing of the switch, which is also made of POM, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The POM top housing of both switches will contribute to a more muted and deeper sound when compared to other housing materials. So, while the overall sound profiles of the two switches may be similar due to the shared material, the top housing of each switch offers a distinctive characteristic that affects the sound you hear when letting go of a key.
In summary, the KTT Laurel and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry share the same housing material, POM, in both the top and bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar overall sound profile, with a deep and relatively muted tone. However, the impact of the housing material differs between the two switches, with the POM bottom housing mainly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the POM top housing contributing to the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide a pleasing and unique sound experience, thanks to their POM housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Laurel switch has a lighter actuation force, requiring only 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Blueberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Laurel switch will have a lighter and more responsive feel, allowing for quicker typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Laurel switch requires 50 grams of force, while the Blueberry switch requires a significantly heavier 80 grams. This difference in bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer and more satisfying push. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter touch and quicker keystrokes would likely lean towards the Laurel switch, while those who desire a heavier and more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blueberry switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it can be observed that the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blueberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered to be the norm, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower side. However, the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances is evident, with gamers particularly favoring them for faster response times. Therefore, if a more responsive typing experience is desired, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, the Blueberry with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, both the KTT Laurel and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they both feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches also have a resonant quality to them, which contributes to a higher-pitched and clean sound profile. The Laurel switches, on the other hand, have a subtly low-pitched sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Laurel and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy. Snappy switches are known for their super responsive nature, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The NovelKeys Blueberry switches are also described as textured, meaning that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. The Blueberry switches are further characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The Laurel switches, however, do not have any additional descriptors for their feel.
Based on the available information, the Laurel switches are best known for their medium-light linear feel with a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. They have a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, making them suitable for those who prefer a sharp typing feel. They have a lower-than-average sound frequency with a slightly deeper tone, but not "thocky." The Blueberry switches offer a snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences. Depending on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a snappy and reactive feel, making your typing experience feel alive. Additionally, the Laurel has a low-pitched sound profile, which contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a very sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience. The NovelKeys Blueberry also has a low-pitched sound profile, but with added resonance, resulting in a clean and sharp sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the desired typing experience.
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