Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry is best known for its sharp and satisfying tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a precise typing experience. The sound frequency is lower than average, creating a deep but not overly "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are known for their linear "speed" characteristics. With a shorter activation and a long pole stem, these switches offer a smooth and responsive typing feel. Additionally, they provide a creamy sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting. While both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing also enhances the deeper and muted sound, while the Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite their differences, both switches share similarities in terms of bring a unique sound experience to typing. The POM material in the NovelKeys Blueberry's top and bottom housing contributes to a pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side. Similarly, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing both add their own distinctive characteristics to the overall sound profile. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.
In terms of usability, the choice between the two housing materials could come down to personal preference and desired aesthetics. Those who prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile might gravitate towards the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing, particularly if they plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blueberry's POM top and bottom housings provide a more muted and deeper sound experience. Both switches offer their own unique sound and feel, making them great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking variety in their typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, which requires a relatively heavier push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unavailable, so it is unclear how much force is needed for it to register a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a force of 80 grams, indicating that it requires a substantial amount of pressure to fully depress the key. In contrast, the Splash Brothers only requires a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
Considering the weight of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be preferred by those who prefer a heavier typing experience. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial push feel, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the lighter weight of the Splash Brothers may be more appealing to those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming comfort. The lower bottom out force allows for easier and less fatiguing typing over extended periods.
Overall, while the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unavailable, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier option with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different experiences based on personal preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, these switches provide options that cater to varying needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Blueberry switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blueberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a more traditional travel distance, the Blueberry switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a faster response time and prefer a more shallow travel distance, the Splash Brothers switch would be the ideal option. It is important to remember that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value quick response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a switch with a longer, more substantial travel distance or a shorter, more responsive one.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 switches have a low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, giving them a deeper than average sound, but not to the extent of being "thocky." On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a creamy sound signature. This implies a higher-pitched sound profile that provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, while the Blueberry switches have a lower pitch, and the Splash Brothers switches have a creamier sound, both provide pleasing auditory feedback for typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, offering a snappy and invigorating typing experience. These switches have a longer or dual-staged spring, making them super responsive and giving them an overall lively feel. Additionally, they provide a textured sensation with noticeable friction, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a more mild and gentle typing experience. They have a snappy and bouncy feedback, creating a spring-like sensation when pressing the keys. These switches maintain a safe and approachable middle-ground zone, providing a polished and subtle typing experience. In summary, the Blueberry switches offer a snappy and invigorating feel with noticeable texture, while the Splash Brothers switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience with a bouncy feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches are best known for their sharp tactile bump and snappy, invigorating feel. They produce a lower-than-average sound frequency that is bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. They produce a creamy sound signature. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but if you are looking for a sharp tactile typing experience with a lower pitch sound, the Blueberry switches would be ideal. If you prefer a smoother and bouncier typing experience with a creamier sound, the Splash Brothers switches would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a sharp tactile typing feel and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 80 grams, making them on the heavier side. They provide a snappy, buttery, and invigorating typing experience, thanks to their sharp tactile bump and longer or dual-staged springs. The sound profile of the NovelKeys Blueberry is described as low-pitched and resonant, giving you a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for linear switches with a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a great typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be the right fit for you. These switches offer a creamy sound signature and provide a mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. With their shorter activation and long pole stem, they give you a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The sound profile of the Splash Brothers is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a sharp tactile feel and a lower-pitched resonant sound, go for the Blueberry switches. If you prefer a smooth, mild typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Splash Brothers switches are a great option. Consider the bottom out force, feel, and sound profile that align with your typing style and needs.
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