Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock White Lotus are both popular options to consider. The NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a precise and snappy feel. Additionally, the Blueberry switches offer a lower-than-average sound frequency, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ideal for extended typing sessions and work, these switches won't overwhelm the user with excessive tactile feedback. The White Lotus switches also come with a unique feature—an easily removable light column that allows for vibrant and mesmerizing RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock White Lotus have different materials for their top housings. The Blueberry features a POM top housing, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the White Lotus uses a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both housings offer a distinct experience, they differ in terms of sound profile and overall tactile sensation. Pressing down on the Blueberry switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of its POM top housing, whereas releasing the key will highlight the impact of the top housing on the sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry and Durock White Lotus also use different materials. The Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's pleasing and unique sound profile. This material results in a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience compared to other switch housings. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the White Lotus switch.
Taking into account the distinctions in top and bottom housings, the Blueberry and White Lotus deliver varied tactile and auditory outcomes. While the Blueberry focuses on a deeper and relatively more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housings, the White Lotus aims to provide a unique and premium feel through its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. Despite their differences, both switches boast excellent sound profiles that are distinct and satisfying in their own right. Whether you prefer the deeper muted sound of the Blueberry or the rounder sound produced by the White Lotus, these switches offer an enjoyable typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, providing a slightly lighter touch. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Blueberry requires a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force.
The bottom out force, which measures the force needed to fully press down a key, also varies between the two switches. The Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more pronounced resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a lower bottom out force of 56 grams, resulting in a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the White Lotus more suitable, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lighter. This can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming sessions where fatigue may become a concern. However, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may gravitate towards the Blueberry, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a greater sense of solidity and feedback.
In conclusion, while the NovelKeys Blueberry presents a heavier actuation and bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus provides a lighter, yet still tactile, typing experience. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it can be noted that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar tactile feedback as the switch travels the same distance. Hence, the travel distance of both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Durock White Lotus switches are equal.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch is known for its unique characteristics. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper tone than the average switch. However, they are not considered "thocky," which refers to a distinct and deep sound. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, similar to the Blueberry switch. It also has a neutral sound profile, meaning it falls in the middle ground and should be suitable for most users and settings. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is praised for its snappy and buttery typing experience. This implies that the switch is highly responsive, providing a lively typing sensation. It also offers a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother experience. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is known for being easy-to-press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. It is also considered subtle, having a gentle resistance without being too light. This switch is designed for a low-impact typing feel and should be suitable for shared spaces.
Based on the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch and the Durock White Lotus switch have some similarities and differences. In terms of sound, both switches are described as having a low-pitched profile, although the Blueberry switch offers a deeper tone. As for feel, the Blueberry switch is known for its snappy and textured experience, while the White Lotus switch is easy-to-press and provides a mild and subtle feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a sharper tactile bump and a typing feel with pronounced feedback, the Blueberry switch might be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and gentler typing experience, the White Lotus switch could be a better fit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a sharp and intense tactile bump with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and invigorating typing experience, which is great for those who enjoy a highly responsive feel. Additionally, the Blueberry switches have a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a deep but not overly "thocky" sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a more delicate and subtle tactility, the Durock White Lotus switches would be the perfect fit. These switches provide an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for various environments, including shared spaces. Moreover, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB lighting effects.
Ultimately, the decision between Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile intensity, bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider the characteristics described above to determine which switch aligns more closely with your desired typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, both the Blueberry and White Lotus switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall satisfaction of using a mechanical keyboard.
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