Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that provide a tactile typing experience are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The NovelKeys Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, delivering a satisfying and pronounced feedback while typing. They are perfect for those who prefer a snappy and invigorating typing feel. Additionally, these switches produce a lower-than-average sound frequency, making them quieter than typical mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium tactile feel, providing just the right amount of resistance for a precise and comfortable typing experience. Unlike the Blueberry switches, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed with quietness in mind, making them an excellent choice for office or shared living space use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Bluish White differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound with a crisper profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan on using RGB lighting. Conversely, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing shares the same sound characteristics as its top housing, resulting in a consistent deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
When comparing the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the bottom and top housings play different roles. The bottom housing, whether POM or nylon, has a more prominent effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. This means that the Blueberry switch's deeper and more muted sound will be more noticeable during typing. On the other hand, the top housing, whether POM or polycarbonate, influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the Silent Bluish White switch will have a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released, providing a distinct acoustic experience.
While the two switches have differences in their housing materials, they also share similarities. Both the Blueberry and the Silent Bluish White utilize POM in their top housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound. Additionally, both switches prioritize sound quality, with the Blueberry achieving a deeper and relatively more muted sound and the Silent Bluish White delivering a sharper and crisper profile. Therefore, if you desire a satisfactory typing experience with either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and overall satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The NovelKeys Blueberry requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. This means that the Blueberry switch requires more force to register a keystroke. Additionally, the Blueberry has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it significantly heavier than the Silent Bluish White's 50 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to fully depress the keys.
However, it is worth mentioning that if someone prefers a lighter switch, they may find the Silent Bluish White more suitable for their needs. The lighter actuation force of 42 grams allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. Similarly, the lighter bottom out force of 50 grams reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. So, while the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a heavier and more substantial feel, the Silent Bluish White provides a lighter touch that may be preferred by those who desire a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on an individual's personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance. The NovelKeys Blueberry's travel distance of 4.0mm falls into the more traditional range, offering a deeper keypress sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White with its 3.5mm travel distance falls into the slightly shallower range. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a deeper or more responsive keypress 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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-than-average frequency, which results in a deeper but not particularly "thocky" sound. It has a clean and sharp quality, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is designed to be as quiet as possible, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It is described as muted, minimizing the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. In conclusion, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a lower-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Bluish White offers a muted and quieter sound, making it more suitable for office or shared living space use.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a very sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency when typing, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and invigorating typing experience, making each keystroke feel alive. Additionally, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, which can provide a satisfying level of resistance for those who prefer a heavier switch.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility and a quieter sound profile, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches have a buttery and mild feel, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them lighter and easier to actuate. Moreover, the Silent Bluish Whites are specifically designed to minimize noise and provide a muted sound, which is perfect for office or shared living spaces.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a sharper tactile bump and a heavier switch, the NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a more precise and comfortable typing experience with a quieter sound, the Silent Bluish White is the better option. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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