Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Frozen offer distinct experiences for users. The NovelKeys Blueberry is best known for its sharp tactile bump, which provides a satisfying typing feel. With a lower-than-average sound frequency, it offers a unique experience that is both textured and resonant. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. This switch is characterized by its super smooth and pillowy feel. While the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a snappy and invigorating typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen offers a creamy and subtle feel. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and TTC Silent Frozen switches differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Blueberry uses POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also adds translucency to the Silent Frozen's housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In terms of sound experience, the bottom housing of each switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing greatly impacts the sound when releasing a key.
While the Blueberry and Silent Frozen switches differ in housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The POM housings of the Blueberry contribute to a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more subdued tone. Alternatively, the polycarbonate housings of the Silent Frozen produce a sharper and crisper sound, adding a higher-pitched element to the typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer appealing auditory feedback, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking distinct sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of a switch can impact the overall look. The Silent Frozen's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Blueberry's POM top housing may lack the translucency desired for vibrant RGB lighting effects. However, both switches maintain a sleek and professional appearance, with the Blueberry offering a more understated aesthetic and the Silent Frozen enabling customization through lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on one's preference for either a more traditional keyboard design or a visually striking RGB setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The NovelKeys Blueberry showcases a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring more force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Frozen presents a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This signifies that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might favor the NovelKeys Blueberry due to the stronger push feel it provides. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry is also heavier, measuring at 80 grams. In contrast, the Silent Frozen boasts a considerably lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. As a result, individuals who value the ability to type for extended periods, such as those bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions, may find the Silent Frozen more suitable due to its lighter weight. Alternatively, if one is seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, they may choose to opt for both switches being of equal weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blueberry switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen switch. However, it is important to note that both options offer ample travel distance for a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen switch. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Blueberry switch.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 offers a lower-than-average frequency, giving it a deeper but not "thocky" sound. This means it produces a clean and sharp sound with a mellow and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It is described as "thocky," offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is also considered muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for those who prefer a sharp typing feel. It is described as snappy, indicating its super responsive nature. The switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. However, it is also worth mentioning that the Blueberry switch may have a textured surface, meaning there might be noticeable friction when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by a smooth and pillowy feel. It is described as creamy and buttery, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience. This switch has a gentle resistance that is not too feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. It is also considered feathery, as it requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch can be described as subtle, with a light resistance that is suitable for shared spaces.
Taking all the available information into account, it is evident that the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a snappy and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch offers an extremely quiet sound profile, a smooth and pillowy feel, and a creamy and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose either option to achieve the desired typing experience. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as keyboard construction and keycap selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a sharp tactile bump and a typing experience with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a satisfying and responsive feel. The sound profile of the Blueberry switches is described as low-pitched and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a silent and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the ideal option. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches offer a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switches have a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to regular or clacky switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prefer a sharp tactile bump or a silent linear switch, and whether you prioritize a lower-pitched or muted sound profile. Assess your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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