Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Tea, both tactile switches. The NovelKeys Blueberry is beloved for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp typing experience. With a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Blueberry switches offer a deep yet not overly loud typing sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea lacks a standout feature but provides a reliable tactile experience. The Blueberry switch is often described as 'snappy', 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', 'invigorating', and 'stiff', while the Milk Tea remains uncategorized. 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
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The POM top housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea provides a bright and resonant sound signature. This results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Blueberry offering a quieter and more subdued sound compared to the more lively and clacky sound of the Milk Tea.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry shares similarities with the Nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the POM material absorbs sound differently compared to the softer Nylon material, resulting in a slightly different typing experience for each switch. While both switches offer a more subdued and rounder sound profile compared to some harder plastics, the different materials used in the housing can still impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Tea switches play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While the Blueberry switch offers a quieter and more muted sound due to its POM top and bottom housing, the Milk Tea switch provides a brighter and more resonant sound signature with its Ly top and Nylon bottom housing. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to offer a pleasing and unique typing experience, showcasing the versatility and impact that housing materials can have on switch performance and sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Blueberry switch is heavier in both categories. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blueberry switch is 80 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Tea switch may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a consistent tactile experience with no variation in travel distance. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of keypress feel and response. Ultimately, whether choosing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, users can expect a uniform travel distance for a satisfying typing experience.
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 Tea 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its low-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper, more bass-heavy tone with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, there is no specific information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. This means that these switches are super responsive, smooth, with noticeable friction, pronounced feedback, and require a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. On the contrary, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switches. It is important to note that these qualities contribute to the overall typing experience and can cater to different preferences depending on the user's typing style.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its sharp tactile bump, low-pitched and resonant sound profile, and a combination of snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown. In general, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a snappy typing experience, then the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a different sound profile and feel, you may want to consider the Outemu Milk Tea instead. Remember to take into account your typing style, preferences, and needs when making your decision. Happy typing!
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