Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Grey offer two distinct typing experiences. The Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. These switches also emit a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a deep but not overly loud typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches focus on providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, these switches are perfect for users looking for a satisfying yet silent typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 the Outemu Silent Grey, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing continues the trend of a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. Overall, the differences in housing materials between the two switches contribute to distinct auditory experiences for users.
Despite their differences, both the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Grey utilize housing materials that play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switch. The use of POM in the Blueberry creates a unique sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Grey produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the nylon used in the Silent Grey's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Blueberry's POM bottom housing. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Grey comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper and more muted sound, the Blueberry's POM housing may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Silent Grey with its polycarbonate top housing could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, showcasing the impact that such materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we find that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The weight of a switch is important to consider as some prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, while others prefer a heavier push for a more substantial feel. In this case, the NovelKeys Blueberry would provide a heavier typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent Grey due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is the same at 4mm. Both switches offer users a consistent tactile feedback and actuation point. The 4mm travel distance allows for a satisfying typing experience while also promoting faster typing speeds. Whether you choose the Blueberry or Silent Grey switches, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance. Both switches are ideal for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate 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 Silent Grey 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Blueberry switch produces a lower-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation. The Blueberry switch offers a deeper sound with a sharp and clean tone, ideal for those who prefer a bass-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch delivers a quiet and subdued typing sound, perfect for users looking for a more silent typing solution.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These switches provide a responsive typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke that can be slightly textured for added feedback. The tactile bump in the Blueberry switch offers an invigorating and firm typing sensation, requiring a moderate amount of force to actuate the keys. Conversely, the Silent Grey switch's feel is unknown, but it is known to provide a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch is ideal for users looking for a sharp and resonant typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile and a responsive, textured feel. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch caters to those seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, although specific details on feel are not provided. Depending on personal preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing preferences. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a sharper tactile bump with a slightly lower-pitched sound profile, then the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a quieter typing experience and a more pronounced bump, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch might be the better option. Consider your preferred typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different types of typists, so choose the one that best suits your individual preferences.
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