Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Blueberry switch is praised for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky sound without a specific standout feature. The Blueberry switch offers a lower-than-average sound frequency and a slightly deeper typing sound, while the Outemu Blue switch falls in the clicky switch category. If you prioritize a sharp tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky sound without any specific standout feature, the Outemu Blue switch could be the better option. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Blue switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the type of material used. The NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, while the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users who prioritize customization.
In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and unique sound profile, while the Outemu Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller sound with a rounder quality. Nylon's softer material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller but more satisfying typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each part of the switch to impact the sound and feel differently, creating a unique typing experience for users depending on which material is used where.
Ultimately, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, and POM and nylon for the bottom housing, will depend on the user's preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. While POM offers a pleasing and unique sound profile, polycarbonate provides a sharper, crisper sound with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting. Similarly, nylon's absorbing properties create a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with POM's muted yet distinctive sound. Whether users prioritize sound, feel, or visual customization, both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Blue switches offer a range of options to cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier of the two. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a significant amount of resistance for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the NovelKeys Blueberry requires a bit more force to press compared to the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch is the same, both measuring in at 4mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar experience for users. It is worth noting that a 4mm travel distance is considered to be within the standard range for mechanical keyboard switches, offering a satisfying amount of key travel for typing or gaming.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a lower-pitched and resonant typing experience, offering a deep and immersive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch lacks specific descriptors for sound qualities, making it difficult to directly compare. When considering the overall sound of both switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry is likely to deliver a more refined and bass-heavy tone compared to the Outemu Blue, which may have a higher-pitched sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for being snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a range of tactile sensations for typists who enjoy a responsive and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch does not have any feel descriptors listed, making it challenging to assess its tactile qualities. However, based on the characteristics of the NovelKeys Blueberry, it is evident that it offers a diverse range of tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences.
Overall, the NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, low-pitched sound profile, and a variety of tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience. While the specific subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch remain unknown, it can be inferred that the NovelKeys Blueberry may offer a more refined and versatile typing experience based on the available information. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched sound profile, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the better choice for you. The sharp tactile bump and invigorating feel of the NovelKeys Blueberry can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter actuation force and potentially a higher-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for you. The decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and actuation force or clicky sound and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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