Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, delivering a typing experience that is invigorating and precise. Additionally, it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, providing a satisfying but not overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump with their 70g tactile force. This resistance adds an engaging and immersive element to typing. Furthermore, the nylon housings of the Wuque switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, creating a familiar and captivating sound profile with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches exhibit several similarities and differences. Both switches utilize POM for the top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This similarity indicates that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar sound experience when releasing keys. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of the NovelKeys Blueberry and the WS Heavy Tactile switches share common characteristics, such as the ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
However, the differences in housing materials also result in distinct characteristics for each switch. The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM bottom housing that contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile, adding depth and a more muted quality to the overall typing experience. Alternatively, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which also offers a deeper and fuller sound but contributes to a duller and rounder overall sound due to the increased sound absorption properties of nylon.
It is important to note that the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it is POM or nylon, primarily affects the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. In contrast, the top housing, whether it is POM or nylon, has a greater influence on the sound and feel when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches may share similarities or differences in sound profiles, the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housings contribute to their individual typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see distinct differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry offers an actuation force of 55 grams, which means that this is the force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unavailable, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is worth noting that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry requires 80 grams to fully press the key down, giving a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for smoother and potentially faster typing.
When considering weight, it becomes clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier option. The heavier actuation force and bottom out force can be appealing to those who prefer a strong push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a lighter bottom out force, which could be advantageous for users who value a lighter typing experience to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile is unknown, we can compare and contrast the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and WS Heavy Tactile switches. The NovelKeys Blueberry offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a lighter bottom out force. Depending on individual preferences, some may prefer the heavier and more substantial feel of the NovelKeys Blueberry, while others may opt for the lighter typing experience offered by the WS Heavy Tactile. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch differ in length. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional length. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers, may opt for the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile. This allows for quicker keystrokes and potentially improved performance in gaming. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lack the depth they desire. If a deeper feeling and a more responsive typing experience is preferred, the 4 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Blueberry would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a lower-than-average frequency, resulting in a deeper sound profile that is not overly "thocky." On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a more pronounced and captivating sound. With Wuque Studio's nylon housing, these switches produce a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the descriptors for both switches indicate a resonant sound profile, they differ in terms of pitch and overall sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, offering a typing experience that is snappy and invigorating. These switches have a moderate actuation force and provide a uniform and seamless typing sensation. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches provide an accented tactile feel. They offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, resulting in a switch that is neither hyper-tactile nor scratchy. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as snappy and invigorating, offering a reactive feel that enhances the typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are best suited for those who prefer a sharp and responsive typing feel. They provide a lower-pitched sound profile and a snappy tactile experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a pronounced tactile bump and an engaging typing journey. They provide a "thocky" sound profile and an accented tactile feel. While they have slightly different sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a sharp typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is the choice for you. These switches offer a very sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Blueberry switches is described as low-pitched and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a captivating sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. These switches feature a pronounced tactile bump with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging journey. The sound profile of the WS Heavy Tactile is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a sharp and snappy typing experience with a lower-pitched sound, go for the Blueberry. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a lighter feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the WS Heavy Tactile is the better option for you.
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