Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is best known for its sharp tactile feel, thanks to a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With its medium-heavy feel and distinctive bottom-out, typing on the Moyu Black is an impactful and premium experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry boasts a very sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. While it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, it falls on the deeper side without being "thocky." Both switches have their appeal, catering to individuals who prioritize either the 'Accented', 'Resonant', and 'Sharp' qualities of the Moyu Black or the 'Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Stiff' attributes of the NovelKeys Blueberry. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in terms of their housing materials. The Moyu Black features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor dull tone. On the other hand, the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. While both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, the Moyu Black's PBT top housing leans towards a more balanced tone, while the Blueberry's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound.
In regards to the bottom housing, the Moyu Black employs a PBT bottom housing, which contributes to the neutral sound profile of the switch. Similar to its top housing counterpart, the PBT bottom housing does not exhibit extreme crispness or dullness. Conversely, the Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique deep sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the Moyu Black. Therefore, when bottoming out a key, the Moyu Black's PBT bottom housing contributes to a more neutral sound and feel, whereas the Blueberry's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound experience.
While the housing materials for the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ, both switches provide qualities contributed by each housing. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the Moyu Black's PBT bottom housing and the Blueberry's POM bottom housing both impact the switch's sound and feel upon pressing. However, when it comes to releasing a key, the top housing material takes precedence in determining the sound profile. Thus, while there are differences in the housing materials between the two switches, they both offer similar considerations in terms of the impact of top and bottom housings in switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it becomes evident that they have some key differences. The Moyu Black has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Blueberry's 55 grams. This means that the Moyu Black requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Moyu Black measures 67 grams, while the Blueberry is significantly heavier at 80 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down.
These variances in weight can have different implications for users. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force might find the Moyu Black more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This would make it an ideal choice for individuals using the keyboard at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more pronounced push feel and enjoy a heavier keystroke might prefer the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. This heavier force provides a sense of strength and solidity while typing.
Despite their differences, both switches deliver a tactile experience with various degrees of resistance. The actuation and bottom out forces mentioned ensure a satisfying typing experience, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a resonant profile, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry produces a low-pitched sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer an immersive auditory experience, but the Moyu Black has a higher-pitched profile compared to the Blueberry. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as having an accented feel. This means that it provides a notable amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sharp tactile bump in these switches is prominent, delivering a strong and crisp feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. It features longer or dual-staged springs that make the switch feel more alive. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also has a textured option for those who prefer some noticeable friction. Overall, both switches offer a distinct and invigorating typing sensation, but with different characteristics.
Taking into account the available information, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile that delivers a sharp and impactful typing experience, the Moyu Black might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a lower-pitched sound, accompanied by a snappy and buttery feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider personal preference and overall keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, when selecting the ideal switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you value a medium-heavy typing feel with an accentuated bottom-out and a sharp, short, and impactful typing experience, then the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are the way to go. These switches provide a distinctive and satisfying tactile bump both on the downstroke and upstroke, creating a hypertactile sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing feel with a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are a great option. They offer a satisfying tactile feel and a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a sharp typing experience that is suitable for those who appreciate a sharp feel without being too thocky.
In terms of sound, both switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile, but the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches have a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. The NovelKeys Blueberry switches, on the other hand, have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone due to their low-pitched sound frequency.
When it comes to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are known for their accented tactility and sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer a snappy and invigorating typing experience, with longer or dual-staged springs that make the switches feel more responsive and alive. Additionally, the Blueberry switches can provide a buttery typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
In the end, choosing between the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider the characteristics and descriptions of each switch, and select the one that aligns with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!
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