Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience. On one hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel without a loud noise. The Blueberry switches are described as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Stiff'. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach provides a smooth and consistent keystroke due to its linear design. While the Milk Peach switches may not have a distinct tactile bump, they offer a quieter typing experience compared to the Blueberry switches. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Peach both contribute to the unique sound profiles of these switches. The POM top housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Peach produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry maintains the deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Peach creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While both switches have distinct characteristics due to their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of sound profiles. The use of POM in the top housing of the Blueberry and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Milk Peach both contribute to a unique and pleasing sound experience. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Milk Peach and the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry both influence the overall sound profile of the switches, albeit in different ways. Despite these similarities, the differences in housing materials ultimately lead to varying sound profiles and tactile experiences between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Peach will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The POM top housing of the Blueberry offers a more muted and deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Peach provides a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Nylon bottom housing of the Milk Peach creates a fuller sound, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to a deeper sound experience. By understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, enthusiasts can make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it is evident that the Blueberry switch is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Conversely, the Milk Peach switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Milk Peach is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Peach switch, as it requires less force to actuate, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, we find that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Milk Peach has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blueberry's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Peach's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive keypress, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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 Peach 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 comparing the sound of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch to the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, the Blueberry switch produces a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. This results in a deeper tone with a clean and sharp auditory experience, which is preferred by users who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow typing sound. On the other hand, the Milk Peach switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is renowned for its snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These characteristics contribute to a responsive and immersive typing sensation, suitable for users who appreciate pronounced feedback and a higher actuation force. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach switch is unknown, making it challenging to assess how it compares to the Blueberry switch in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, low-pitched sound profile, and a variety of tactile qualities that contribute to a unique and engaging typing experience. While the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch lacks specific information regarding sound and feel, users can expect different results compared to the Blueberry switch due to their distinct design and characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Blueberry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a different feel and sound profile, you may lean towards the Milk Peach switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for.