Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out among the crowd are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Click. The Blueberry switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who crave a tactile experience. Additionally, it offers a slightly lower-than-average sound frequency, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is renowned for its high-pitched, satisfying click. This switch strikes the perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, offering a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming the user. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct differences in sound and feel. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, giving off a crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is aesthetically beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Blueberry's POM top housing is more on the deeper side, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing leans towards a sharper sound.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the differences continue. The Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound profile. As a result, the bottom housing of each switch greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel.
When considering the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role. The Blueberry's POM top housing, with its deeper and more muted sound profile, contributes to the sound when keys are let go. Similarly, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing, with its sharper and higher-pitched sound, will also have an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, in terms of sound when letting go of a key, both switches will yield similar results despite differences in their top housing materials.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Click switches offer contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Blueberry's POM top and bottom housings result in a deeper and more muted sound, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings create a sharper and fuller sound. However, in terms of the sound when releasing a key, both switches will provide similar outcomes, showcasing the influence of the top housing in this aspect. So, whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper one, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a more substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for a lighter touch when typing.
The bottom out forces also differ between the two switches. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, especially for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Purple Click has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a somewhat lighter typing experience.
Considering weight, it is essential to note that the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Purple Click switch. Those who prefer a weightier typing experience may gravitate towards the NovelKeys Blueberry, as it offers a more substantial push feel. However, for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience that allows for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Purple Click switch with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more preferable.
In terms of similarities, both switches provide tactile feedback while typing and typing on either switch should yield similar results in terms of keystrokes being registered. However, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a heavier weight experience overall, while the Purple Click switch leans towards a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a lower-pitched tone compared to the higher-pitched click of the KTT Purple Click switch. The Blueberry switch has a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp, while the Purple Click switch has a crunchy and resonant sound that resembles stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches provide an immersive auditory experience, but the Blueberry switch leans towards a lower-frequency sound while the Purple Click switch leans towards a higher-pitched click. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, and invigorating. It offers a sharp and responsive typing experience due to the longer or dual-staged springs, making the keystrokes feel more alive. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience is also present, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Blueberry switch has a textured feel, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The stepped switch design provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump, a lower-than-average sound frequency, and a variety of feel options including snappy, buttery, textured, and invigorating. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying high-pitched click, light keystrokes, and an invigorating feel with a stepped tactile experience. Both switches deliver a pleasing typing sensation, but the Blueberry leans towards a sharper and lower-pitched feel, while the Purple Click leans towards a higher-pitched click and a milder tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a sharp typing feel with a heavy bottom out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches have a very sharp tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. They also have a lower-than-average sound frequency, making them a little deeper than average but not overly "thocky." On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelmed and prefer a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the better option. These switches offer a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click sound and have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. They provide a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider your personal typing preferences to determine which switch suits you best.
Mentioned in this article
