Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to different typing preferences. Two such switches that offer distinct experiences are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Sea Glass. The NovelKeys Blueberry is best known for its sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a punchy typing feel. Its lower-than-average sound frequency adds to its appeal, creating a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend. Typing on these switches offers a unique dryness, wispiness, and airiness, while still maintaining a smooth feel. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies their 62g bottom-out force, showcasing their frictionless nature. The distinct hollow sound signature when typing on Sea Glass switches adds another layer of uniqueness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Sea Glass switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a brighter tone that is still pleasant. Since the top housings differ, the two switches will offer slightly different auditory experiences. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, which for the Blueberry is also POM, resulting in a relatively deeper bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass's bottom housing, made of the unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, may offer a different tactile and auditory sensation.

When it comes to the housing materials for the bottom part of the switch, the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Sea Glass once again present slight variations. The Blueberry's POM bottom housing delivers a deep sound similar to its top housing, maintaining its overall sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a bottom housing composed of the unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, ensuring a more distinct auditory experience. This blend may contribute to a slightly brighter bottom-out sound, complementing the overall sound profile of the Sea Glass switch.

It is essential to note that although the housing materials differ between the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Sea Glass switches, both switches exhibit qualities from their respective top and bottom housings. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, both switches may result in a slightly deeper sound due to their shared POM bottom housing. On the other hand, upon releasing a key, the top housing's impact becomes more noticeable, providing a distinctive sound for each switch. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ, both switches deliver satisfying tactile and auditory experiences, albeit with subtle variations depending on the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a higher actuation force, requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Sea Glass which only requires 45 grams. This means that the Blueberry switch may provide a slightly stronger push feel when typing compared to the Sea Glass.

In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry requires 80 grams of force to fully press down, while the Sea Glass requires 62 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch has a heavier tactile feedback when fully pressed, offering a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force, allowing for a potentially smoother typing experience.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing may lean towards the Sea Glass switch, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This can be beneficial for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch with its higher actuation and bottom out force may be the preferred choice.

It is important to note that while the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock Sea Glass switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience. Their varying force requirements allow individuals to choose according to their personal preferences and typing style, ensuring that they can achieve similar results regardless of their chosen switch.

Travel distance

The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Blueberry switch is slightly longer than the Sea Glass switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. If you are a gamer looking for a faster response time, the Sea Glass switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke feel, the Blueberry switch with its longer travel distance might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch produces a low-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile. This switch offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch's sound qualities remain unknown. However, as with any switch, the sound can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its snappiness and invigorating typing sensation. With a sharp tactile bump, this switch offers pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. It requires a moderate to firm actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. The Durock Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing feel. The Sea Glass switch is also considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe and approachable middle ground.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is best suited for those who prefer a sharp typing feel and a lower-than-average sound frequency. It offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend. It provides a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, while remaining smooth and frictionless. The Sea Glass switch also offers a uniquely hollow sound signature. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and can provide enjoyable typing experiences, depending on the individual's preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavy and sharp tactile feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is a great choice. These switches provide a snappy and invigorating typing sensation, making every keystroke feel alive. Additionally, they have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile that adds to the immersive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a weightless feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. These switches are frictionless, offering a fluid travel and minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They have a gentle and feathery feel, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Although the sound profile of the Sea Glass switches is not described, their distinct dryness and wispiness contribute to a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Durock Sea Glass switches would depend on your preference for tactile sharpness and sound frequency or smoothness and weightlessness in typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more