Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Lime and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, both of which are tactile switches. The Lime switches are highly regarded for their unique characteristics, including being lightweight and featuring an approachable tactility. Additionally, they are silenced, making them ideal for those who appreciate a feather-light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches offer a sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation. These switches emit a lower-than-average sound frequency, offering a deeper but not overly "thocky" typing experience. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine the best fit for your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Lime and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry have different housing materials, with the Lime using a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Blueberry utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. The choice of housing material greatly affects the sound profile of the switches. The nylon housing of the Lime creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Blueberry produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, with a deeper tone and a relatively more muted profile.

In terms of feel, the housing materials also play a role. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Lime's nylon bottom housing, the typing experience is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more satisfying bottom-out sensation. Similarly, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound and a relatively more muted feel when pressing down on the switch.

When it comes to the sound upon key release, the top housing of the switch has more influence. With the Lime's nylon top housing, the sound when letting go of a key is likely to be deeper and fuller, matching the characteristics of the bottom housing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Blueberry contributes to a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, creating a distinct audio feedback when releasing a key.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Lime and Blueberry switches differ, both switches provide a deep and full sound profile. The nylon and POM materials, although different, share the ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. Therefore, while the specific qualities and nuances may vary between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the satisfying sound experience offered by the housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, while the Blueberry requires a heavier force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Lime switch is more sensitive and requires less pressure to register a key press. In terms of bottom out force, the Lime has a relatively lighter force of 45 grams, while the Blueberry requires a significantly heavier force of 80 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience and requires more pressure to fully depress the keycap.

Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Lime switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it suitable for tasks like typing at work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more forceful and substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch. The heavier actuation force of the Blueberry switch provides a more satisfying push while typing, which some users may find preferable.

Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of the two switches differ significantly, with the Lime being lighter and the Blueberry being heavier. These differences in force requirements provide distinct options for users based on their preferences for typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lime offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Blueberry switch. The Lime's 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, making it suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, especially for gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Blueberry's 4 mm travel distance is closer to the traditional range, providing a slightly deeper keystroke that may be preferred by individuals who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a shorter travel distance for quicker response or a longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. It falls under the category of a muted switch, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch produces a lower-pitched sound with a clean and sharp sound profile. It is described as having a resonant sound, meaning it has a higher-pitched sound profile and provides an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Lime being more neutral and muted, while the Blueberry has a lower-pitched and resonant sound.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. It has a gentle resistance and a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch is also described as subtle, meaning it provides a light typing feel without a resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lime switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience. It has a sharp tactile bump and a moderate to firm actuation force, providing pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. The Blueberry switch is also described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, it is unclear whether it has a textured or scratchy feel. Overall, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, and polished feel, while the Blueberry switch provides a snappy, invigorating, and potentially textured feel.

Based on the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch provides a softer and quieter sound with a neutral and muted profile, while the Blueberry switch has a lower-pitched, resonant, and potentially textured sound. In terms of feel, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, and polished typing experience, while the Blueberry switch provides a snappy, invigorating, and potentially textured feel. Depending on individual preferences, one may prefer the lightweight and silenced experience of the Lime switch or the sharp tactile bump and reactive feel of the Blueberry switch. It is important to consider personal typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup, including the keyboard board and keycaps, in order to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and subtly tactile switch with a softer and quieter sound profile, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a feathery light typing experience that is comfortable for extended sessions, whether it be for gaming, school, or work. The Lime switches are also silenced, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency with a clean and sharp sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. These switches have a heavier bottom out force and offer a snappy and invigorating typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for weight, tactility, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more