Gateron Melodic vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Melodic and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features and qualities for users to consider. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a distinct typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Blueberry is labeled as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles attributed to their respective polycarbonate and POM housings. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Blueberry's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles is likely to appeal to different preferences, with the Melodic providing a clearer and higher-pitched sound, and the Blueberry offering a richer and deeper tone.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both switches share a similar characteristic as they both utilize POM material. The Nylon bottom housing of the Melodic and the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer nature of these plastics absorbing more sound to create a rounder tone. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with both switches likely to provide a more subdued and muted sound compared to their respective top housings.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The differences in top housing materials (polycarbonate for the Melodic and POM for the Blueberry) offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Melodic producing a sharper sound and the Blueberry delivering a deeper tone. However, the shared POM material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel. Ultimately, users can select the switch that best matches their desired sound profile, whether it be the crispness of the Melodic or the depth of the Blueberry.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, requiring slightly more pressure to register a keystroke, and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams for a more substantial typing experience. The Melodic switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, while the NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is evident that both offer the same level of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience. This means that users can expect a similar feel and response when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is clean and sharp. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Melodic is described as buttery and invigorating, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes with pronounced feedback and a snappy typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is noted for its snappy, buttery, and invigorating feel, along with a textured sensation that may provide a unique tactile experience for users. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is mentioned to have a stiffer actuation force, which can affect the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would come down to individual preference for typing experience and desired actuation force.
Considering the distinct sound and feel profiles of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a buttery feeling keystroke, or a more mellow, low-pitched sound with a snappy and textured typing experience, both switches provide a range of options for users to customize their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, trying out both switches or considering factors such as personal typing style and preference for sound and feel will help determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, and a snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating feel, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry could be more suited to your typing style. Consider the sound, feel, and force that you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and brings you the most satisfaction.
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