Durock Medium Tactile vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile 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 that often come up in discussions are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. The Medium Tactile from Durock is highly regarded for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it features a jelly-like sound signature that adds a touch of character to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, giving typists a distinct and satisfying feedback while typing. Moreover, it produces a lower-than-average sound frequency, offering a deeper but not overly resonant sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in terms of the top housing material. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. This unique sound is different from the sharpness of the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches feature different materials. The Medium Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the NovelKeys Blueberry also has a POM bottom housing, leading to a deep and relatively muted sound profile. While both bottom housings result in a similar sound profile, they differ in terms of material.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches will exhibit different characteristics in terms of both the pressing and releasing of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in grams, while the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has an actuation force of 55 grams. This suggests that the Durock Medium Tactile switch might have a lighter initial push to trigger a keystroke compared to the NovelKeys Blueberry switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Durock Medium Tactile switch requires 65 grams of force, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the NovelKeys Blueberry switch demands 80 grams, indicating a heavier bottoming out experience.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it directly influences the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, making it ideal for work or gaming keyboards. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be a better choice due to its 55-gram actuation force.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Medium Tactile and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ. The Durock Medium Tactile switch likely offers a lighter actuation force (exact grams unknown) but requires a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, one switch may provide a lighter typing experience, while the other will deliver a more substantial and forceful keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on either of these switches will result in a similar feeling as they both have the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a distinct sound profile that can be described as jelly-like. It provides a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch produces a lower-than-average sound frequency. It is deeper than average but doesn't have a "thocky" sound. The Blueberry switch offers a clean and sharp sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. It falls into the category of medium tactile switches, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Blueberry switch, on the other hand, is snappy and provides a super responsive typing experience. It has a buttery feel, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke. The Blueberry switch also offers invigorating feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force.
Based on the information provided, the Durock Medium Tactile and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have different subjective qualities. The Medium Tactile switch has a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. In comparison, the Blueberry switch has a very sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency. Both switches offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. However, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined feel, you can expect similar results from the Medium Tactile switch due to its polished characteristic. Similarly, if you enjoy a snappy and invigorating typing experience, the Blueberry switch would provide a similar sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a balanced tactile feel and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice. It offers an accented tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, and provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. These switches have a snappy and invigorating feel, with a clean and sharp sound profile. Keep in mind that the Blueberry switches have a higher bottom out force, which may require more force to actuate and bottom out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for weight, tactility, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
