Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that offers a sharp tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Blueberry switch stands out for its lower-than-average sound frequency and textured typing experience, while the Silent Green switch remains silent during use. Ultimately, the choice 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Green switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blueberry features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Green has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in top housing material gives each switch its own distinct auditory experience, with the Blueberry offering a more subdued sound and the Silent Green providing a more vibrant and clear sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Green switches feature POM and polycarbonate materials, respectively. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry continues the deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green adds to its sharp and resonant sound. These different bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch, with the Blueberry focusing on a deeper tone and the Silent Green emphasizing a brighter and more pronounced sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing or gaming. The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Green allows for a more nuanced sound experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Blueberry providing a more muted and deep sound while the Silent Green offers a sharper and crisper sound, making them suitable choices for different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Blueberry switch is heavier than the Silent Green switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Outemu Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be said that they are equal in this aspect and will provide similar results in terms of key press feel. Therefore, whether choosing the Blueberry or the Silent Green switch, both will offer the same level of travel distance for a consistent 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 Silent Green 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 considering the sound qualities of the two switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a deep and clean auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch 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 distinguished by its snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff qualities, providing users with a responsive, smooth, and tactile typing experience. In contrast, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch.
Overall, based on the available information, it is evident that the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a unique and dynamic typing experience with its sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a combination of snappy and buttery feels. In contrast, details regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the Blueberry switch offering a blend of sharp tactility and pleasing sound characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched, resonant typing sound with a heavier bottom out force, then the NovelKeys Blueberry would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your personal typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your typing experience.
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