Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Red Panda both offer unique features worth considering. The NovelKeys Blueberry is renowned for its sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced typing feel. Additionally, while the sound frequency of these switches is lower than average, it still provides a satisfying depth without being overly "thocky." On the other hand, the Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility and a distinct bassier bottom-out sound, reminiscent of raindrops, as well as a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. With categories such as "Snappy," "Buttery," and "Textured" for the NovelKeys Blueberry and "Thocky" and "Mild" for the Outemu Red Panda, both switches deliver exceptional qualities. However, to make the best decision for yourself, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of each switch.

By the numbers

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Red Panda switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing also makes it a perfect choice for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the visual appeal of the switch. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, they differ in terms of depth and sharpness.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, thereby creating a duller sound profile. The use of different bottom housings further differentiates the sound profiles of the two switches, with the softer nylon construction of the Red Panda contributing to a more rounded sound compared to the Blueberry.

In summary, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of both switches. While the Blueberry's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, the Red Panda's polycarbonate and nylon housings result in a sharper and crisper sound, as well as a fuller and rounder sound, respectively. Additionally, the translucent nature of the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting. Overall, these differences in housing materials provide users with a range of sound and aesthetic options to suit their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Red Panda has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that typing on the Blueberry switch will provide a more substantial and forceful typing experience compared to the Red Panda. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, the Red Panda offers a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Blueberry is the heavier option overall.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. These distances indicate that the Blueberry offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Red Panda. If you prefer a more traditional and hearty feel while typing, the Blueberry would be the better option. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance makes it a preferred choice for gamers or individuals who value quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a lower-pitched tone with a clean and sharp sound profile. It provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a deeper sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch has a more distinctive sound. It produces a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed. The Red Panda has a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a deeper sound, the Blueberry is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a thocky sound, the Red Panda is the better choice.

In terms of feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating typing experience. It has a very sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and reactive feel. The switch is considered buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is textured, meaning there is noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a milder typing experience. It falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that most people will find approachable.

Based on the available information, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, invigorating feel, and lower-than-average sound frequency. It offers a snappy and buttery typing experience, along with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is characterized by its milder tactility, thocky sound, and approachable feel. Although they have different qualities, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can cater to individual preferences. If you prefer a sharper tactile bump and lower-pitched sound, go for the Blueberry. If you prefer a milder tactility and thockier sound, opt for the Red Panda. In terms of feel and sound, these switches are quite different, so choosing between them will heavily depend on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a great choice. These switches provide a snappy and invigorating typing experience, with a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams. The sound profile of the Blueberry switches is described as low-pitched and resonant. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a bassier bottom-out sound with a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda is the way to go. These switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, catering to users who prefer a middle-ground zone for feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Blueberry and Red Panda switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and the amount of force required for typing.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more