Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, it's clear that they offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Blueberry switches are popular for their sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying and pronounced typing feel for those who enjoy a tactile response while keeping the noise level relatively low. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switches are clicky and offer a distinct audible click with each keypress. While the Blueberry switches are described as snappy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, invigorating, stiff, the Milk Blue switches do not have any specific characteristics listed. Knowing these general aspects can help guide your decision on which switch may be best for you; 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 Milk Blue switches offer distinctly different sound profiles due to their respective POM and polycarbonate materials. The POM top housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a deeper and relatively muted sound, which is contrasted by the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the POM material offers a unique sound experience, the polycarbonate material is favored for its clarity and resonance, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housings, the POM material in the NovelKeys Blueberry contributes to a deeper and more pleasing sound profile, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue results in a fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the typing experience on these switches, with each material offering a unique tactile feedback and sound profile.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the two switches, the impact of each housing material is experienced both on the press and release of a key. The qualities of the bottom housing material influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch reveals some interesting differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Milk Blue has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blueberry requires 80 grams to fully press the key, whereas the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a more substantial typing experience with heavier forces required, while the Outemu Milk Blue offers a slightly lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements. If they have similar forces, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a similar level of key travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent typing experience. This similarity allows users to enjoy a familiar feel regardless of which switch they choose, making it easier to switch between keyboards equipped with these switches without having to adjust to a different travel distance.
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 Milk 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deeper and clean sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare with the Blueberry switch. However, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycap used, so individual preferences play a significant role in sound perception.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for being snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a sharp and responsive typing experience with noticeable texture and a firm actuation force. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's feel qualities are unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison with the Blueberry switch. The absence of information on the Milk Blue switch makes it challenging to assess how its tactile feedback and overall typing feel measure up against the Blueberry switch.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, low-pitched sound, and diverse feel characteristics, making it a popular choice for those seeking a distinct typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch remain unknown, it is essential to consider individual preferences and typing style when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on personal preference, typing habits, and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a heavy bottom out force and a sharp, snappy typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be the ideal choice for you. The low-pitched and resonant sound profile adds to the typing experience, making it a great option for those who prefer a deeper sound. On the other hand, if you are seeking a clicky switch with a lighter feel and are not concerned about bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Blue switch might be more suitable for you. However, keep in mind that the sound and feel characteristics of the Milk Blue switch are not as well-defined as those of the Blueberry switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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