Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a pronounced feel while typing. Additionally, these switches produce a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a deeper but not excessively loud typing sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, they strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate the delightful auditory experience provided by the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the perfect keyboard switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials, with the Blueberry utilizing POM and the WS Brown employing nylon. POM housings in the Blueberry switches create a unique and pleasant sound profile that leans towards deeper tones, resulting in a more muted sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a classic switch experience with a fuller and deeper sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blueberry and WS Brown have POM and nylon options respectively. The POM bottom housing in the Blueberry contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the WS Brown enhances the switch's overall sound, deepening it further. Similar to the top housing, the softness of nylon aids in absorbing sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded sound profile for the WS Brown.
When assessing the impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom. Consequently, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that for both the Blueberry and WS Brown, the tactile experience and sound of pressing the switch and releasing it may differ due to the housing materials.
Overall, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Brown have variations in their housing materials, they both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The Blueberry's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Brown's nylon housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. While the bottom housings have a greater impact on the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, the top housings play a significant role in the sound produced upon key release. Therefore, despite the differences, both switches offer satisfying and distinctive typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, which means that a moderate amount of force is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry is heavier than the WS Brown, measuring at 80 grams. This indicates that when fully pressing down on the key, the NovelKeys Blueberry requires a higher amount of force.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Brown. A lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. The heavier bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a satisfying feedback and may be preferred by individuals who desire a more robust key press.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Brown is not directly comparable due to the unavailability of the WS Brown's actuation force, the bottom out force clearly shows that the NovelKeys Blueberry is heavier. The weight of a switch is an important consideration, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The NovelKeys Blueberry offers a more traditional travel distance, while the WS Brown provides a slightly shallower option. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so the WS Brown may be a popular choice in gaming setups. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer the more substantial depth offered by the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired level of responsiveness.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 offer a lower-than-average frequency. This means that when typing on them, you will experience a deeper and slightly bass-heavy tone, but not to the extent of a "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches' sound qualities are unknown. It is important to note that the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches provide a sharp tactile bump, resulting in a snappy and invigorating typing experience. These switches are known for their responsiveness, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, giving a buttery sensation. Additionally, some users may appreciate the textured nature of these switches, which provides noticeable friction during key presses. However, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches is unspecified.
Considering the available information, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches excel in providing a sharp tactile feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. They are favored by those who enjoy a responsive and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches in terms of sound and feel remain unknown. If you are looking for similar results to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, you may consider switches with sharp tactile bumps and a lower frequency sound profile. However, it is always recommended to try out different switches and experiment to find the perfect fit for your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who prefers a heavy and sharp tactile bump with a lower-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy, buttery, and invigorating typing experience, making them ideal for those who appreciate a responsive and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium-light actuation force with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, then the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Although there is limited information available on the sound and feel of the WS Brown switches, the familiarity of the nylon housing and POM stem combination is loved and cherished by enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style, so consider the characteristics described above to make an informed choice.
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