Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Peach offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The NovelKeys Blueberry is renowned for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who crave a prominent feedback. Its unique sound profile, lower than average in frequency but not "thocky," adds to the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Peach stands out with its prized characteristics as a linear switch. Its smooth typing experience feels like gliding on syrup, accompanied by a deep and thocky sound profile. While these general pointers give a good idea of their qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Peach switches have distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles. The Blueberry switch features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. In contrast, the Peach switch incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to pleasing and unique sound experiences, the Blueberry's POM top housing produces a deeper tone, while the Peach's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, which again results in a deep and relatively more muted sound. On the other hand, the KTT Peach employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the Peach switch absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing gives a richer and deeper sound, while the Peach's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound experience.
When considering the impact on pressing down and releasing a key, the top and bottom housings play a role in different aspects. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the qualities of the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down will be influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material in both the Blueberry and Peach switches.
In summary, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and KTT Peach switches demonstrate contrasting characteristics in terms of their housing materials. The Blueberry's POM top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Peach's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Peach switch creates a fuller and rounder sound experience compared to the Blueberry's POM bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles, making them excellent choices for different preferences in sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke, while the Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a lighter touch. Similarly, the Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Peach has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. The difference in weight between these two switches makes a significant impact on the typing experience. Those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Blueberry, as it requires more force to activate and bottom out. Conversely, those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions may find the Peach more suitable, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lighter. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from top to bottom when pressed. In the case of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Peach switches have an equal travel distance, providing similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp typing feel due to a very prominent tactile bump. The sound produced by these switches is lower-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, it is important to note that the sound profile is not "thocky," but rather deeper than average. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a syrupy smooth typing experience. The sound profile of the Peach switch is described as deep and thocky, with a low-pitched tone. This creates a more immersive auditory experience compared to the Blueberry switch.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is characterized by its snappy and invigorating nature. These switches provide a super responsive typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Blueberry switch offers a buttery and textured feel, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Peach switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. While the feel of the Peach switch may not have as many pronounced characteristics as the Blueberry, it still provides a comfortable and approachable typing sensation.
Taking into account all the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch produces a lower-pitched sound with a sharp and clean profile, while the Peach switch produces a deep and thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Blueberry switch offers a snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience, while the Peach switch provides a milder and more gentle sensation. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. It is important to consider the intended use and personal preferences when choosing between these two switches. However, if you are looking for similar sound results, the Peach switch may provide a lower-pitched and bass-heavy tone similar to the Blueberry switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp typing feel and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is an excellent choice. It offers a heavy bottom-out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier keypress. The Blueberry switch also provides a snappy and invigorating typing sensation, with pronounced feedback and a buttery smooth keystroke experience. However, if you prefer a lighter keypress and a syrupy smooth typing experience, the KTT Peach linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Peach switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. It also provides a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, choosing between the NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Peach switch depends on your preference for key weight, typing feel, and sound profile.