Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, we can see that they both fall under the tactile switch category. The NovelKeys Blueberry is highly regarded for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to users who prefer a pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean lacks specific standout features mentioned, making it a more subtle option. In terms of sound frequency, the Blueberry switch produces a lower-than-average noise, while the Ocean switch remains neutral in this aspect. Both switches provide a unique typing experience with the Blueberry being described as ['Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Stiff']. The Ocean switch is missing specific descriptors in this regard. If you value a sharp tactile bump and a slightly deeper sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Ocean, it is evident that they each offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The POM top housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Ocean results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. Typing enthusiasts may prefer one sound profile over the other, depending on their personal preferences and typing habits.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Blueberry and the Ocean offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they both aim to provide users with an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound profile from POM or a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various preferences in the keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean switch is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of keypress resistance. In terms of weight, the NovelKeys Blueberry is on the heavier side, which may be preferred by some users for a more tactile typing experience, while the weight of the Outemu Ocean remains a mystery. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distances are the same, so you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the key travels when pressing down. This means that whether you choose the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry or the Outemu Ocean, you can anticipate a consistent tactile experience with the same amount of 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 Ocean 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 offers a lower-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deep yet clean sound profile. This can be attributed to the specific design of the switch and the materials used. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Ocean's sound qualities is not available, so it is hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These qualities suggest that typing on these switches will offer a responsive, smooth, textured, and immersive typing experience with a higher actuation force required. Conversely, information on the Outemu Ocean's tactile qualities is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of feel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, lower-pitched sound, and a combination of snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff typing feel. While the specifics of the Outemu Ocean switch are unknown, it's safe to assume that these switches may offer different subjective qualities. Therefore, if you enjoy a sharp tactile feel with a lower-pitched sound and a variety of tactile typing experiences, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry may be the ideal choice for you. However, for a direct comparison in terms of sound and feel, further information on the Outemu Ocean switch would be necessary to provide a more detailed analysis.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, you may want to opt for the Outemu Ocean. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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