Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Star offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The NovelKeys Blueberry is well-loved for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who enjoy a responsive keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out with its smooth linear action and lightweight 45g bottom-out, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter keypress. While the Blueberry switch is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Stiff', offering a textured and invigorating typing experience, the Purple Star switch is characterized as 'Mild' and 'Easy-to-press', promising a gentle and comfortable typing performance. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Star both feature POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. This suggests that both switches may offer a similar auditory experience to users, as the POM material is consistent across both models.
However, while the housing materials are the same, the design and construction of the switches may vary between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Star. This can result in subtle differences in sound and feel when typing on the switches. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, users may notice slight variations in the typing experience between the two switches despite sharing the same housing material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Purple Star highlight the importance of housing design in creating a unique typing experience. The use of POM material in both switches indicates a focus on producing a specific sound profile that is deep and muted, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. While the differences in design and construction may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel, both switches are likely to offer a similar overall typing experience due to their shared housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those looking for a lighter touch and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with some favoring the heavier actuation force of the Blueberry for a more tactile feel, and others opting for the lighter touch of the Purple Star for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we can see that the Blueberry switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm. The Blueberry switch's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, with the Blueberry providing a more deliberate key press while the Purple Star offers a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a lower-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deep and clean sound profile that can be immersive for users. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound, which is more neutral and gentle compared to the sharp sound of the Blueberry switch. The sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is best described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a sharp tactile bump and a responsive typing experience with varying levels of feedback and actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized by a mild and easy-to-press feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel, with the Blueberry switch leaning towards a more tactile and firm experience while the Purple Star switch provides a gentler and easier typing sensation.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Blueberry switch is more geared towards users who prefer a sharp tactile bump and a deeper, resonant sound profile, the Purple Star switch caters to those looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own strengths and caters to different typing preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a heavy tactile switch with a sharp bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a light linear switch with a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, then the KTT Purple Star would suit your preferences better. Consider your typing style and preferences for key feel and sound when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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