Cherry MX Brown vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available. Two popular choices for tactile switches are the Cherry MX Brown and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The MX Brown is known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry stands out with its sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. While the MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, invigorating, and stiff. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$4.00 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in their housing materials, with the MX Brown utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Blueberry switch incorporates a POM top and bottom housing. Both switches, however, share some similarities in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The MX Brown's nylon housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the Blueberry's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While the materials may vary, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.

The differences between the two switches become more apparent when examining the impact of the specific housing materials. The MX Brown's nylon top and bottom housing contribute to a deeper and rounder sound, and this effect is more noticeable when releasing a key, highlighting the top housing's influence. On the other hand, the Blueberry's POM top and bottom housing add to a more muted and pleasing sound profile, particularly when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the characteristics of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, creating a nuanced typing experience that differs between the Cherry MX Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience. The nylon and POM materials offer distinct sound profiles that enhance the overall feel and sound of the switches. Both switches elicit a deeper sound and provide a fuller typing experience, with the MX Brown's nylon housing absorbing more sound and the Blueberry's POM housing creating a unique and pleasing sound. Whether you choose the MX Brown or the Blueberry switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a more immersive and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a gentle press. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the MX Brown is lighter at 55 grams, allowing for a more forgiving typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more solid and satisfying feel when pressing the keys all the way down. These variations in force make a significant difference in the typing experience, catering to different preferences. If someone prefers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown would be a suitable choice. However, if someone seeks a more substantial and solid typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be the preferable option. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches offer a range of options for users to select the one that aligns with their personal preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Consequently, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have distinct differences in their sound and feel qualities. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches offer a subtle, mellow tone with a lower frequency range, giving it a bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a clean and sharp sound profile with a higher-pitched, resonant tone. While both switches have a low-pitched characteristic, the MX Brown leans towards a deeper and richer sound, while the Blueberry provides a more immersive auditory experience.

Moving on to the feel aspect, the MX Brown switches provide a relatively light and gentle tactile bump, creating a textured typing experience with noticeable friction. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches boast a sharp and snappy tactile bump, making it suitable for users who prefer a more invigorating and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the Blueberry switches are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, it should be noted that both switches have a texture to them, which may be favored or not preferred depending on the individual's typing preference.

Taking all available information into consideration, the MX Brown switches excel in offering a subtle and light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It is ideal for those who appreciate a more understated typing feel and a deeper, bass-heavy sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches provide a sharper tactile bump, an invigorating and snappy typing sensation, and a clean and resonant sound. If you are seeking a more intense and responsive tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound, the Blueberry switches would be an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for similar results to the MX Brown but with slightly different nuances, the Blueberry switches can provide a similar low-pitched sound and a textured typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light typing experience and gentle tactility, then the Cherry MX Brown switch is a great choice for you. It offers a subtle typing feel and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for those who prefer a more understated switch. Additionally, the MX Brown has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. However, if you prefer a switch with a sharper tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is the way to go. These Blueberries offer a unique typing feel with their snappy, invigorating, and textured characteristics. With their resonant and low-pitched sound profile, you can expect a clean and sharp auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches depends on your preference for tactile feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

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Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more