Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch, known for its sharp tactile bump and low-pitched typing sound, to the Outemu Purple switch, which lacks a distinct characteristic but offers a standard tactile feel, there are clear distinctions to consider. The NovelKeys Blueberry switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharp typing experience with a lower sound frequency, while the Outemu Purple switch provides a standard tactile feedback without any standout features. 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
2.00 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Outemu Purple switches, one key difference is the top housing material. The Blueberry uses a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Despite both switches offering unique sound profiles, the choice between POM and polycarbonate will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Another point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to its deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple employs a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The nylon material's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how the choice of housing can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In considering how the top and bottom housing materials of the switches affect their performance, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing, as well as between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, will determine the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, whether one prefers the deep, muted sound of POM or the crisp, sharp sound of polycarbonate, both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Outemu Purple offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. Additionally, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the NovelKeys Blueberry is considered heavier than the Outemu Purple. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry for its heavier actuation and bottom out force. However, for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Outemu Purple with its lighter actuation force may be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keypresses.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect comparable feedback and actuation feel from both switches. Despite other differences between the two switches, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm. This ensures that whether you prefer the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry or the Outemu Purple, you will get a similar keypress feel in terms 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 Purple 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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a deeper yet clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound qualities is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry is reputed for its snappy and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, these switches are described as buttery and textured, providing a smooth and frictional typing sensation depending on the user's preference. Conversely, details on the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch are not disclosed. It is worth mentioning that a stiff switch requires more force to actuate and bottom-out, which may affect typing comfort for some individuals.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch distinguishes itself with a sharp and unique tactile bump, coupled with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a range of feelings from snappy and invigorating to buttery and textured. While information on the Outemu Purple tactile switch is not specified, users can expect similar results in sound and feel depending on personal preferences and additional variables like the keyboard setup. Ultimately, selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard is subjective and should be based on individual typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, tactile feel, sound profile, and personal preference. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and are open to exploring different sound and feel profiles, the Outemu Purple could be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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