Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the classic MX Red, but with the key advantage of operating silently. This makes it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, providing a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump, ideal for those who seek a more pronounced typing feel. While it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency and a deeper pitch, it is not as "thocky" as some other switches. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, offering different typing experiences depending on individual 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the MX Silent Red featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the NovelKeys Blueberry has a POM top and bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the MX Silent Red.
While the bottom housing of a switch typically has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when a key is released. In this aspect, the nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the POM bottom housing of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer similar qualities, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Both housing materials create a deeper sound profile, with the softer nylon absorbing more sound in the MX Silent Red and the more muted POM offering a unique sound in the NovelKeys Blueberry.
Overall, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches showcase the importance of material composition in creating distinct sound profiles. While both switches offer deeper sound profiles, the nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Silent Red produce a fuller and rounder sound, while the POM top and bottom housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry create a more muted and pleasing sound. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and efficiently. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more tactile typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the MX Silent Red does not have a specified value, while the Blueberry switch requires a heavy 80 grams of force to fully press down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the NovelKeys Blueberry would be the choice for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be preferred by those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation, as it has a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer contrasting profiles. The MX Silent Red switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch produces a resonant and low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump, offering a unique auditory experience that may be preferred by those looking for a deeper tone. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, users can expect a quieter and more bass-heavy typing experience with the Cherry MX Silent Red, while the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharp and resonant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a slightly textured feel, maintaining the familiar typing experience of the MX Red but with a quieter operation. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating tactile bump, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation. With additional descriptors like buttery and stiff for the NovelKeys Blueberry switch, users can expect a smooth keystroke experience with a moderate to firm actuation force, enhancing the overall typing feel. While the MX Silent Red remains textured, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a snappier and more invigorating feel for those seeking a responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red provides a quieter and slightly textured typing experience, while the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharper tactile bump and a more resonant sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the quieter and textured Cherry MX Silent Red or the sharper and more responsive NovelKeys Blueberry switch for their ideal mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your personal preference for typing experience. If you need a keyboard that operates silently in noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing feel, the MX Silent Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a slightly heavier bottom out force, along with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches would be a good match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound profile, feel, and typing experience that best suits your needs and preferences.
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