Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics to offer. The Blueberry switch is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch made from POM material, providing a thocky sound signature and unparalleled smoothness. While the Blueberry switch leans towards a snappy and invigorating typing experience, the Smoothie offers a buttery and creamy feel with a subdued sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their features can help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top and bottom housings, which result in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This similarity in housing materials means that users can expect similar sound and feel characteristics when typing on either of these switches. The POM material used in both switches contributes to a smoother typing experience compared to other materials, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
While both the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie feature POM top and bottom housings, there may be subtle differences in the implementation of these materials. The specific design and construction of the housing components could result in variations in sound and feel between the two switches. For example, the NovelKeys Blueberry may have a slightly different acoustical profile compared to the Gateron Smoothie due to the arrangement of the POM material within the housing. These differences, while subtle, could potentially impact the overall typing experience for users who are particularly discerning about keyboard sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie may ultimately come down to personal preference and individual typing preferences. Both switches offer a unique and satisfying sound profile thanks to their POM top and bottom housings, providing a deeper and more muted typing experience. Whether you prefer the slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches or simply enjoy the overall qualities that POM material brings to a keyboard switch, both the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie are solid options for those looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch's 40 grams actuation force. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blueberry switch is heavier at 80 grams, while the Smoothie switch does not have a specified bottom out force. These differences highlight that the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. In contrast, the Smoothie switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by users looking for a smoother typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie's 3.6 mm. This means that the Blueberry offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Smoothie. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Smoothie with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blueberry. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a deeper tone that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound signature that is deep and satisfying, with a subdued quality that is not overly loud but still offers a pleasant auditory experience. Both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a sharper, lower-pitched sound or a deeper, thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a tactile bump that is sharp and satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a smooth and effortless keystroke that glides across the keys. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, so the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a sharper, tactile response or a smoother, more fluid typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feels that cater to different preferences. The Blueberry switch provides a sharper, lower-pitched sound with a snappy and textured typing feel, while the Smoothie switch offers a deeper, thocky sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch, either option would provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of custom mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and tactile typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and thocky typing experience with a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a sharp tactile bump or a silky smooth keystroke, as well as the sound profile that complements your typing style. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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