Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a distinct typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two options worth considering. The Blueberry switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying feel with each keystroke. Additionally, it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, bringing a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a heftier linear typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery feel without the tactile bump. With a fairly deep sound profile, this switch adds a certain depth to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches both feature POM top and bottom housings, which contribute to their pleasing and unique sound profiles. The POM housings of both switches create a deeper sound that is relatively more muted. This means that when you press down on the switch, you will experience a satisfying and soft bottom-out sound and feel. However, where they differ is in the specific nuances of their sound profiles.
The NovelKeys Blueberry switch, with its POM top housing, produces a distinct sound that is favored by many enthusiasts. The combination of the POM top housing and bottom housing results in a deeper and slightly more muted sound overall. This can create a more subtle and refined typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. When you let go of a key, the sound produced by the POM top housing will give a gentle thock that is satisfying to the ears.
On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch also utilizes POM top and bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience to the Blueberry switch. With the Cream switch, the POM top housing affects the sound when a key is released, contributing to a soft and smooth letting-go sound. This adds a touch of elegance and grace to the overall typing experience. While the Cream switch shares similarities with the Blueberry switch in terms of its overall sound profile, it may offer a slightly different tonality due to the inherent characteristics of its POM housing.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and NovelKeys Cream switches contribute to their unique sound profiles. Both switches feature POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound during typing. However, the specific qualities of these sound profiles may differ slightly due to the influence of the different top housings. Whether you choose the Blueberry or the Cream switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a soft bottom-out sound, complemented by the distinct characteristics of their respective top housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference. The Blueberry switch has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier, while the Cream switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly lighter.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch often enjoy it because it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or indulge in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, a switch with a heavier bottom out force is preferred.
In summary, although the actuation force remains the same for both the Blueberry and Cream switches, the bottom out force sets them apart. The Blueberry switch provides a heavier typing experience with its 80-gram bottom out force, while the Cream switch offers a lighter feel with its 70-gram bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and the same distance for each key press. Whether one prefers a tactile or linear switch, the travel distance will remain consistent for both options. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of the travel distance regardless of the switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Cream 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
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a pronounced feedback. When typing on the Blueberry, it produces a lower-than-average sound frequency, being deeper than the average switch but not "thocky." The Blueberry switch can be described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, when typing on a Blueberry switch, users can expect a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp, offering an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is recognized for offering a heftier linear typing experience. The Cream switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often described as "buttery." It delivers a fairly deep sound profile, deeper than the average switch but not overly so. Similar to the Blueberry, the Cream switch can be categorized as having a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, typing on the Cream switch presents a resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with its clean and sharp tones.
In summary, both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch possess their distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Blueberry switch offers a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Cream switch delivers a heftier linear typing experience with a smooth keystroke and deep sound profile. Although they have different attributes, both switches fall under the low-pitched sound profile and offer an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for tactile feedback or a linear typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a sharper and more responsive typing feel, with a slightly deeper sound profile, the Blueberry switches would be the better choice for you. They offer a pronounced tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and buttery typing experience, with a slightly deeper sound profile, the Cream switches would be more suitable. They offer a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile, and both fall into the low-pitched and resonant categories. Consider factors such as typing speed, typing force, and desired sound and tactile feedback when making your decision.
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