Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Yellow Silver 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 Outemu Yellow Silver. The Blueberry switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, it produces a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving it a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. It features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing options for different individuals. However, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. This is in contrast to the Outemu Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material of the Yellow Silver's top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In terms of sound, the Blueberry offers a unique and pleasing experience with its POM bottom housing, while the Nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is worth noting that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Yellow Silver differ, they both possess qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. The POM top and bottom housings of the Blueberry contribute to a deep and muted sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience. Similarly, the Nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, while the specific characteristics may vary, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles.
It should be noted that the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when you release a key, while the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver generates a distinct and resonant sound upon key release, adding to its crispness. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Blueberry contributes to a more muted sound when keys are released. Understanding the impact of the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in selecting the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blueberry switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Yellow Silver. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blueberry switch is even heavier, with a force of 80 grams, whereas the Yellow Silver has a more moderate bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Yellow Silver for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for more effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Blueberry switch. Ultimately, the preference for lighter or heavier forces depends on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch are both 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar travel experience, with users feeling the same distance when pressing down on the keys. This ensures consistent feedback and tactile input regardless of which switch is used.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a typing experience with a distinct and noticeable feedback. This switch has a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a deeper sound profile that is not overly "thocky". It can be described as having a low-pitched, resonant sound profile that offers a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a snappy and invigorating typing sensation, with its responsive nature and pronounced feedback. The switch can also be characterized as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is important to note that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While the subjective qualities of the Yellow Silver in terms of sound and feel are unknown, it can be inferred that it has a moderate sound profile and a suitable actuation force for various purposes. Overall, the NovelKeys Blueberry and Outemu Yellow Silver may provide similar results in terms of feel, but differ in terms of sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone who enjoys a sharp tactile typing experience and prefers a lower-than-average sound frequency, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams and provide a snappy, invigorating feel with their pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, especially for gaming or fast typing, then the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a speedy and responsive typing experience, perfect for gamers and typists who require speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding tactile feel and sound profile.
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