Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that is well-known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying and pronounced typing feel. Additionally, it produces a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving it a distinct but not overwhelmingly "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases the beauty of a smooth typing experience. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design result in a buttery smooth feel when typing. While the Blueberry offers a sharp and invigorating tactile experience, the Sea Salt Lemon prioritizes a low-pitched and neutral typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Blueberry switch features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to be showcased due to its translucency. Overall, the POM and polycarbonate housings provide contrasting auditory experiences, with the former prioritizing a deep and pleasing sound, while the latter emphasizes a clear and resonant sound, as well as visual effects.
Moving to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry uses a POM bottom housing, similar to its top counterpart. This material continues to contribute to the switch's deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon creates a duller sound compared to harder plastics. In this aspect, the Blueberry and Sea Salt Lemon switches differ significantly, with the former offering a deeper sound experience due to POM, while the latter produces a fuller sound due to nylon.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is dependent on the specific functionality of each part of the switch. When actuating the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the material used, will have a more noticeable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will predominantly influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Blueberry and Sea Salt Lemon switches may differ in their housing materials, the overall typing experience may still yield similar results, as both switches offer distinct characteristics during keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon possesses a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to activate.
Similarly, there is a distinction in their bottom out forces. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon boasts a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a softer typing experience.
Considering weight is an important factor for keyboard users, those who favor a lighter feel may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing, which is beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a heavier switch, the NovelKeys Blueberry with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable choice. In both cases, users can expect to achieve their desired results by selecting the switch with the desired force characteristics.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar level of key press experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether typing or gaming, users can expect a consistent feel and response from both switches due to their equal travel distances.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. The low-pitched nature of these switches provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the resonant characteristic gives a clean and sharp sound experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched sound profile offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone similar to the Blueberry, but the neutral characteristic implies a more moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These switches offer a super responsive and lively typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the textured nature of these switches results in noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. The invigorating characteristic ensures pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Lastly, the stiffness of the Blueberry switch requires a higher amount of force for actuation and/or bottom-out, making it necessary to apply more force when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as mild in terms of feel. This indicates a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a sound and feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch provides a sharper tactile bump, resulting in a lower-than-average sound frequency and a typing feel that is snappy, buttery, invigorating, and stiff. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch represents a smooth and buttery linear switch, offering a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience. While these switches have their distinct characteristics, individuals who enjoy a sharp typing feel and a resonant sound profile may find the Blueberry switch appealing, while those seeking a smoother and more gentle typing experience may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and invigorating typing experience, creating a satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches will provide the resistance you desire. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience for most users. The progressive spring and dry-lube design ensure a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on your preference for the level of tactility and the desired typing feel.
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