Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Quinn offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The NovelKeys Blueberry is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, it produces a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving it a deeper but not overly "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out with its specially designed nylon housings, resulting in a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. It offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, guaranteeing precise and clean keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Quinn switches differ in terms of the material used. The Blueberry boasts a POM top housing, while the Quinn features a nylon top housing. This variation in material leads to distinct sound profiles. The POM housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound when typing. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Quinn elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing and unique typing experience.
Similarly, a discrepancy is seen in the bottom housing materials of the Blueberry and the Quinn switches. The Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, while the Quinn incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Although the specific qualities brought by each material differ, they essentially contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry adds to the deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn enhances the switch's deeper and fuller sound. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, these variations affect the typing experience in distinct ways.
In instances where the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the effects of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the key. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound emitted when letting go of a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams, making the Quinn slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blueberry switch requires a force of 80 grams, whereas the Quinn switch requires a force of 67 grams. This makes the Blueberry switch heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Blueberry switch may be advantageous for those who prioritize longevity and ease of use in their keyboard. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, the Quinn switch with its slightly heavier actuation force would be a suitable choice.
In terms of bottoming out, a heavier force is generally preferred by individuals who enjoy a more satisfying keystroke experience. The Blueberry switch, with its heavier bottom out force, would cater to this preference. However, if both the actuation and bottom out forces are of equal importance, the Quinn switch offers a medium-heavy force that lies between the Blueberry switch's actuation and bottom out forces. This makes the Quinn switch a viable option for users seeking a balance between a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force.
In summary, the NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blueberry switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier in bottoming out force. Conversely, the Quinn switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, but lighter when it comes to bottoming out force. For those prioritizing a lighter typing experience, the Blueberry switch would be suitable, while those desiring a more substantial keystroke might opt for the Quinn switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see a clear difference. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option. On the other hand, the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This shorter travel distance might be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Quinn would be the way to go. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper feel. In that case, the NovelKeys Blueberry with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the specific use case.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing experience suitable for individuals who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. When typing on these switches, you can expect a lower-than-average sound frequency, which is deeper but not "thocky". On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch also provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump.
In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry emits a low-pitched sound profile which features a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the Quinn switch produces a bassy sound profile characterized by a lower frequency range and resonant sound, which resembles the depth and richness of bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switch can be described as clacky, crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches are known for their resonant sound profiles with clean and sharp auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, both the NovelKeys Blueberry and Gateron Quinn switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs. The NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, invigorating, and potentially textured or scratchy. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a snappy and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is also described as buttery, bouncy, accented, and potentially creamy. Overall, both switches offer a lively and engaging feel with pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Gateron Quinn switches have distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Blueberry switch offers a sharp tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, while the Quinn switch provides a combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Both switches are known for their snappy response, and the Quinn switch also offers a polished and potentially creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a typing feel that is lower in sound frequency but not "thocky," the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches would be a great choice for you. These switches have a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams and offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn switches would be a better fit. With a bottom-out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a precise and clean tactile bump, along with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize the sharpness of the tactile bump and lower sound frequency of the NovelKeys Blueberry switches or the combination of crisp tactility and deep sound profile of the Gateron Quinn switches. Happy typing!
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