Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, stand out as popular options. The NovelKeys Blueberry is favored for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a low sound frequency. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes and a bassy sound, with light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick responsiveness. While the Blueberry switch is characterized by traits like 'Snappy' and 'Textured', the Silver Pro switch is known for being 'Easy-to-press' and 'Silky'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile. The NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing provides a pleasing and muted sound with a deeper tone, offering a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch, creating a more distinct and resonant typing sound. This difference in sound profile highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing continues to provide a deep and muted sound profile, complementing the top housing for a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material further showcases how the choice of material can influence the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch, catering to varying preferences in typing feedback.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in material, each contributes uniquely to the sound profile and feel of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high level of customization and cater to individual preferences in typing experience, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier option. The Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a 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 V3 Silver Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more suitable choice for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Overall, the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider depending on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences. While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Blueberry and V3 Silver Pro differ, choosing the appropriate option based on personal preference will ultimately result in a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches offer a satisfactory amount of travel distance, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a slightly longer press before actuation compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro, while those seeking a more deliberate key press may gravitate towards the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and use case scenario.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. Depending on your personal preference for sound, you can choose between the deeper, resonant tones of the Blueberry switch or the sharper, crisper sound of the V3 Silver Pro switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a variety of tactile sensations ranging from responsive and alive to firm and pronounced. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience, boasting a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance and light actuation force. Depending on whether you prefer a more responsive and stiff typing experience or a smooth and effortless keystroke, you can opt for the Blueberry or V3 Silver Pro switch accordingly.
In conclusion, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Blueberry switch caters to those who enjoy a sharp and resonant sound with a variety of tactile sensations, the V3 Silver Pro switch is designed for gamers seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound profile and typing feel, ensuring that you can customize your mechanical keyboard to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a sharp tactile bump and a lower frequency sound while typing, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches that offer a light actuation force, smooth keystrokes, and a pleasing bassy sound, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you prefer a snappy and textured feel or an easy-to-press and creamy sensation, there is a switch out there that will best suit your needs. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
