Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Outemu Peach. The NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a distinct tactile feel. Additionally, these switches have a slightly lower-than-average sound frequency, creating a deeper but not overly pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is a linear switch that stands out for its lightweight nature and unique silencing feature. This combination makes it ideal for linear switch enthusiasts who desire a feather-light typing experience with reduced noise. While these generalizations provide a good starting point for decision-making, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the specific characteristics of each switch, allowing you to make an informed choice that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 Outemu Peach switches differ in terms of the composition and resulting sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Blueberry switch creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. This material offers a relatively muted sound experience. In contrast, the Peach switch's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material, being softer and more sound absorbent, contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches aim for a deeper sound, the Blueberry switch offers a more muted experience compared to the Peach switch when it comes to their top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry and Outemu Peach switches again differ in terms of material and resulting sound. Both switches share the use of POM and nylon materials, respectively, but their impact on the sound and feel differs. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry switch contributes to the overall sound profile, making it deeper and relatively more muted. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Peach switch enhances the deeper and fuller sound experience with its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the materials utilized for the bottom housings are the same as their respective top housings, their impact is focused on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Outemu Outemu Peach switches have both similarities and differences. The Blueberry switch incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a pleasing sound that is more on the muted side. On the other hand, the Peach switch utilizes nylon for both housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the materials may be the same across the switch, their impact is split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key. Although they have contrasting sound profiles, the switches share the goal of providing a deeper typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer quite different experiences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a more substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to activate. As for bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier force of 80 grams compared to the Outemu Peach's 50 grams. This means that when typing on the NovelKeys Blueberry, users will experience a more substantial and satisfying bottoming out sensation due to the higher force required to fully depress the keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach provides a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter weight for extended typing sessions, the Outemu Peach would be the better choice. However, for individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile experience and a heavier feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would provide a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In terms of travel distance, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Peach. The NovelKeys Blueberry's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a sense of depth and solidity when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach's 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize quick response times. The shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation and can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
The NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing experience that is favored by those who enjoy a distinct and responsive feel. When typing on these switches, the sound produced is described as lower-than-average, with a deeper tone that falls short of being "thocky." On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is popular for its lightweight nature and silencing properties, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. The Outemu Peach produces a neutral sound, with a moderate profile that is suitable for various purposes. It also offers a quieter sound due to its muted characteristic.
Considering the sound aspect, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a low-pitched sound frequency, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound profile complements the sharp tactile bump of the switch, creating a crisp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach provides a neutral sound, without any specific pitch mentioned. It generates a softer and quieter sound, thanks to its muted attribute, which reduces the overall noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its snappy and invigorating tactile feel. These switches feature a longer or dual-staged spring, resulting in a more responsive and lively typing experience. The buttery and textured nature of the switch further enhances its feel, providing a smooth and seamless keystroke with noticeable friction. In contrast, the Outemu Peach offers a mild and subtle experience. Its gentle resistance and polished finish contribute to a more approachable typing feel, maintaining a light sensation without being overly soft. The switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel due to its polished characteristic.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch provides a sharper, lower-pitched sound and a snappy, buttery, and textured feel, suitable for those seeking a pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Peach switch delivers a neutral, muted sound and a mild, gentle, and polished feel, ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing sensation without sacrificing responsiveness. Although each switch has its unique attributes, both can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy and invigorating feel, with a bottom out force of 80 grams. They are known for their lower-pitched sound profile, which is clean and sharp but not excessively loud.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more silent typing experience, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the better choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them extremely lightweight. They are designed for linear lovers who enjoy a feathery light typing feel. Additionally, the Outemu Peach switches are silenced, resulting in a muted sound profile that is perfect for shared spaces.
In summary, if you prioritize a sharp tactile bump and a heavier typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is the ideal option. However, if you prefer a lightweight and silent typing experience, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the better fit for you. Consider your personal preferences and desired typing feel when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
