Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 and the SP-Star Yanyu. The NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that is best known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a pronounced feedback. These switches also have a lower-than-average sound frequency, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is a linear switch that offers a more delicate typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. These switches have a crisp sound profile, thanks to their material blend. Overall, the NovelKeys Blueberry excels in providing a snappy and textured typing experience, while the SP-Star Yanyu offers a mild and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the SP-Star Yanyu have different housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a pleasant sound that leans towards the brighter side. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Blueberry's POM top housing produces a deeper tone compared to the Yanyu's blend, which offers a brighter sound.
The housing materials for the bottom of the switches also differ between the NovelKeys Blueberry and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Blueberry employs a POM bottom housing, contributing to its deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still slightly on the brighter side. The bottom housing material of each switch plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel upon bottoming out a key press, with the Blueberry's POM housing providing a deeper and more muted experience and the Yanyu's blend offering a slightly brighter sensation.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound of the switches, it becomes apparent that each housing material contributes differently. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. In this regard, the Blueberry's POM bottom housing would result in a deeper bottom-out sound and feel, while the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing would offer a slightly brighter sensation. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the POM top housing of the Blueberry would contribute to a deeper and more muted sound upon key release, while the Yanyu's blend would provide a sound that is not particularly sharp but still leans towards the brighter side.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unavailable, meaning it is unknown.
Moving on to the bottom out forces, the NovelKeys Blueberry requires 80 grams of force to fully press down, providing a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter in comparison.
Considering weight is important for different reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, others may prefer a heavier actuation and bottom out force, as it provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch is lighter in both aspects. If equal forces are desired, it is recommended to choose switches with similar actuation and bottom out forces to achieve similar results.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both of these switches will provide a similar 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing experience with a pronounced feedback. When typing on these switches, the sound is described as lower-than-average in frequency, with a deeper tone but not quite reaching a "thocky" sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more delicate typing experience, suitable for longer periods of typing. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. The Yanyu switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate pitch and resonance. In terms of feel, the Blueberry switch is snappy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. It is also described as buttery, meaning it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience, standing in the safe middle-ground zone of characteristics. It is also described as feathery, offering a light and comfortable typing feel with reduced finger strain. Overall, if you are looking for a sharp and tactile typing experience with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a delicate and crisp typing experience with a more gentle feel, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be a better option. Both switches offer their unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider your desired sound and feel when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who loves a sharp and tactile typing feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches provide a more heavy and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blueberry switches have a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving you a deeper but not overly "thocky" sound profile.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches are much lighter and offer a more gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The Yanyu switches also have a crisp sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prefer a sharper and more tactile experience or a lighter and more delicate typing experience, as well as the desired sound profile. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer their own unique benefits that will enhance your overall typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that best suits your personal preferences and typing needs.
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