Cherry MX Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the distinct differences between the two. The MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfyingly auditory. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch with a very sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. While the MX Red is characterized as 'Thocky,' 'Low-pitched,' and 'Textured,' the Blueberry switch is described as 'Snappy,' 'Buttery,' 'Low-pitched,' 'Textured,' 'Resonant,' 'Invigorating,' and 'Stiff.' If you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience, the MX Red may be the way to go, while those who enjoy a distinct tactile feedback may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials used in the Cherry MX Red and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches both contribute to creating a unique typing experience. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing that produces a pleasing and unique sound, leaning towards the deeper side and with a relatively more muted sound profile. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches again showcase distinct characteristics. The MX Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing produces a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone and a relatively more muted quality. While the bottom housing may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches as a whole, it is evident that the housing materials used in each switch contribute significantly to their unique sound profiles. While the MX Red features nylon top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes POM housings that offer a pleasing and more muted sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of each key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and effortlessly. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blueberry switch is significantly heavier at 80 grams, ensuring a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel compared to the MX Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, individuals may opt for the lighter actuation force of the MX Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out force plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming with either switch. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent keystroke, with the MX Red providing a linear feel and the Blueberry offering a tactile bump upon actuation. Overall, the travel distance of the MX Red and Blueberry switches is the same, allowing users to enjoy a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a lower-than-average sound frequency with a resonant and clean tone, creating a more immersive typing sound. Both switches produce a deeper sound compared to higher-pitched switches, but the NovelKeys Blueberry may have a slightly sharper and cleaner sound profile.
As for the feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a slightly textured feel, which may offer some friction when pressed. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating typing feel, with a buttery and textured sensation. The Blueberry switch offers a more responsive and lively typing experience, thanks to its unique tactile bump and spring design. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the MX Red leaning towards a smoother feel while the Blueberry switch provides a more invigorating and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a deeper and slightly textured typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, creating a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences for typing feel and sound profiles, as both switches excel in different aspects of the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, along with a smoother and friction-free typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump, lower sound frequency, and a snappy and invigorating typing sensation, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a linear one.
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