Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Blueberry switches are favored for their sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a lower-than-average sound frequency. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silvers are known for their lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance, along with a thocky sound and smooth touch. While the Blueberry switch offers a textured and invigorating typing feel, the Smoothie Silver switch emphasizes smoothness and speed. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches are made of POM, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound. This results in a sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other housing materials. The use of POM in both switches indicates that they may produce similar sound characteristics when typed on.
However, where the switches may differ is in how the housing materials are distributed within the switch. The top and bottom housings of the NovelKeys Blueberry switch are both made of POM, suggesting that both aspects of sound creation are influenced by this material. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch also features POM in both housings, but the impact on the sound when pressing down and releasing a key may vary between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches utilize POM housing materials to create a unique typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile. Whether the distribution of POM in the switches affects the overall typing experience is something that may vary depending on individual preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Blueberry switch is heavier in both aspects. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This means that the NovelKeys Blueberry switch requires more force to register a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver would be the more suitable option, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the NovelKeys Blueberry provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer touch when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm distance. The Blueberry's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, while the Smoothie Silver's 3.0 mm provides a shallower experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more robust key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Blueberry. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on individual tactile preferences and usage scenarios.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a unique sharp and clean sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a deeper but not overwhelming sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as providing a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. This means that users can expect a responsive, smooth, and textured keypress with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Alternatively, details about the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch's feel are not available. Due to this lack of information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison on the tactile feel between the two switches.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blueberry switch boasts a unique and sharp sound with a responsive and textured typing experience, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its POM construction, short travel distance, and smooth actuation. If you prefer a lower-pitched, resonant sound with a snappy and invigorating feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the better choice. However, if you value a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and ultra-smooth keystrokes, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a lower sound frequency, the Blueberry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a heavier bottom out force or a smooth linear typing experience with a shorter travel distance and a thocky sound. Make your choice based on what feels right for your typing style and preferences.
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