Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are both tactile switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Blueberry switches are best known for their sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfyingly sharp typing feel. They have a lower-than-average sound frequency, making them suitable for those who prefer a deeper but not overly loud typing sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. With ingenious stem railings and small cutouts, these switches effectively minimize switch sound while still delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is both silent and devoid of the usual padded feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are quite different. The Blueberry features a POM top and bottom housing, while the Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. The POM housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, which gives it a unique and pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Silent Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a rounder and duller typing sound. These differences in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences.
Although the housing materials of the Blueberry and Silent Tactile switches differ, both can provide satisfying results in terms of sound quality. The POM top and nylon bottom housings of the Blueberry split the qualities between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact will come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the materials may be different, both switches can offer an enjoyable typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Considering the impact of the housing materials on the sound produced, the Blueberry and Silent Tactile switches have contrasting qualities. The POM housing of the Blueberry provides a relatively more muted and deeper sound compared to the Silent Tactile's nylon housing, which creates a fuller and rounder sound. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon compared to POM allows it to absorb more sound, contributing to the duller sound profile of the Silent Tactile. These differences in housing materials allow users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether they prefer a deeper and muted sound or a fuller and rounder sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that a moderate amount of pressure is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry is 80 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly lighter.
Weight plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience for individuals. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry, as it allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the NovelKeys Blueberry may be more suitable.
Although the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams suggests it falls in a similar range to the NovelKeys Blueberry in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the NovelKeys Blueberry leans towards a heavier typing feel compared to the WS Silent Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the WS Silent Tactile switch's travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Blueberry is considered to be a more traditional length, giving users a greater sense of depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a greater travel distance, the NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 low-pitched and resonant sound profile. They provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while also offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. The sound frequency of these switches is lower-than-average, resulting in a deeper sound without being "thocky." On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer a neutral and muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making them ideal for office and work environments. These switches prioritize noise reduction without compromising on the satisfying crisp bottom-out and responsive return of the keystrokes. The absence of silicone dampeners ensures a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating a blend of tranquility and tactility.
Moving on to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. With their sharp tactile bump, these switches offer a super responsive and lively typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs contribute to their snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, their smooth and fluid keystroke experience makes them feel buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Some users may appreciate the textured nature of these switches, which adds a noticeable friction when pressed. However, it is important to note that others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Lastly, the stiffness of the NovelKeys Blueberry switches requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, allowing for a more deliberate keystroke.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented, invigorating, and mild. These switches strike a balance between a medium level of tactility and a safe middle-ground typing experience. They offer a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them ideal for users who prefer a medium tactile switch. The WS Silent Tactile switches provide pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, ensuring approachability in terms of both sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switches provide a sharp tactile bump, resulting in a lower-than-average sound frequency and a snappy, buttery, and textured typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches have a neutral sound profile, offering a quieter and muted typing experience, along with an accented and invigorating feel that is both pronounced and approachable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment. However, it is worth noting that both switches deliver satisfying and reliable results within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who loves a sharp and tactile typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches would be an excellent choice for you. With their very sharp tactile bump, these switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience. They also have a lower-than-average sound frequency, making them a bit deeper in tone but not too "thocky."
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. With ingenious stem railings and small cutouts, they effectively minimize switch sound while still delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return.
In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched and resonant profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as having a neutral and muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing sound.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. They provide a super responsive and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are accented, invigorating, and mild. They offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming and a more gentle typing experience overall.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a sharp and tactile typing feel with a lower sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a balance between tactility and noise reduction with a more neutral sound profile, the WS Silent Tactile switches are a perfect fit. Consider your preferred typing experience and noise levels to make the best decision for your needs.