Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Durock Piano

Overview

The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Piano are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences and benefits to users. The Blueberry switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing feel that is perfect for those who enjoy precision and feedback. Accompanied by a lower-than-average sound frequency, it offers a deep and textured typing experience without being too "thocky." On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is highly regarded for its smooth linear operation. Made with a proprietary material blend, it delivers a gliding push feel while producing a deep and creamy sound signature. With its bassy and frictionless characteristics, typing on the Piano switch can be described as silky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

Durock Piano Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Piano both use POM material for their top and bottom housings, making them similar in terms of the housing material. Both switches boast a deep and satisfying sound profile due to the POM blend used. However, while the Blueberry's POM top housing is described as creating a relatively more muted sound, the exact details of the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing are unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare their sound profiles. Nonetheless, both switches are likely to provide a pleasant and unique auditory experience during key release.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Blueberry and Piano differ slightly in the impact they have on sound and feel when the switch is pressed. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry is known to contribute to the deeper and more muted sound profile that the switch offers. On the other hand, the proprietary POM blend of the Piano's bottom housing is again a mystery, but it is safe to assume that it also contributes to the satisfying and deep sound profile that both switches aim to achieve. While the specifics may differ, it is evident that both switches place importance on the bottom housing's impact on the overall sound and feel during key presses.

In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Piano are both made of POM or a proprietary POM blend. This ensures a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the exact details of the Piano's blend remain unknown. While the impact of the top housing on key release sound varies between the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the keypress experience for both. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blueberry or the Piano, you can expect a unique and enjoyable auditory experience accompanied by a quality POM housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences due to their varying weights. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of a whopping 80 grams, further emphasizing its heavy nature. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's actuation force is unknown, but it boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. If a lighter weight is preferred, the Durock Piano may be a better choice, as its actuation force may be lighter than the Blueberry. However, both switches offer a satisfying and tactile feel, ensuring a smooth typing experience and a quality keystroke response. Depending on individual preferences, one can select either switch to suit their desired typing style, whether it be a lighter and more prolonged usage or a heavier and more substantial push feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is a crucial factor in determining the typing experience. In the case of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This ensures that the typing experience on both switches will be similar in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, you can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its very sharp tactile bump, resulting in a sharp typing feel. When typing on these switches, the sound is described as lower-than-average in frequency, slightly deeper than average but not "thocky." On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its proprietary material blend, which makes it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. When using these switches, the feel is described as a gliding push, and the sound has a deep and creamy signature.

In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a low-pitched sound profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a resonant sound profile, resulting in a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a snappy typing experience due to its super responsive nature. This is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. It is also described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, some users might find these switches slightly textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some while others prefer a smoother typing experience. Finally, they are described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its frictionless experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a variety of feel descriptors such as snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating. On the other hand, the Piano provides a gliding push feel, deep and creamy sound signature, and feel descriptors such as frictionless and silky. While they offer different experiences, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing sensations. Depending on personal preference, one can achieve similar results with either switch, but with slight differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a heavy bottom out force and a sharp typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. These switches offer a lower-than-average sound frequency, creating a deep but not "thocky" sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano is your best bet. Noted for their proprietary material blend, these switches provide a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature.

In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a low-pitched and resonant profile, while the Piano provides a bassy sound.

When it comes to feel, the Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These switches are super responsive, provide a seamless typing experience, and offer pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Piano switch is praised for its frictionless and silky feel, making typing smooth and effortless.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a heavy tactile feel and sharp sound, go for the NovelKeys Blueberry. If you prefer a linear switch with a pleasant gliding feel and a creamy sound, opt for the Durock Piano.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more