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Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. KTT Wine Red

An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

Are you in need of a new mechanical keyboard switch that perfectly suits your typing preferences? Look no further as we compare and contrast two popular options, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Wine Red. The Blueberry switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump, providing users with a satisfyingly sharp typing feel. Its sound profile is on the lower end of the spectrum, creating a deep but not overwhelming sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a rich sound profile. With its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, typing on these switches feels almost intoxicating. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you best.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

44g

Bottom-out force

80g

Bottom-out force

55g

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

No

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Progressive spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the KTT Wine Red switches present distinct characteristics. The Blueberry switch utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more mellow sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Wine Red results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Wine Red switch.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blueberry switch also features a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This allows the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch to be sharper and more resonant due to polycarbonate's stiffness. The difference in housing materials affects the overall sound profile of the switch, with the Blueberry offering a deeper sound while the Wine Red delivers a crisper and more impactful sound.

Although the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, their respective housing materials provide similar qualities to their sound profiles. Both POM and polycarbonate materials contribute to a unique and pleasing sound, presenting variations in depth and clarity. The use of these distinct plastic materials creates switches with different audio characteristics, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience to personal preference. Whether it be the deeper and muted sound of the Blueberry or the sharper and more resonant sound of the Wine Red, both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Wine Red's lighter 44 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blueberry is 80 grams, while the Wine Red requires only 55 grams. This makes the Blueberry switch a heavier option overall.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch may be more suitable. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and easier keystrokes, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue can become a factor.

On the other hand, the Blueberry switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, giving a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. This can be advantageous for individuals who desire a more pronounced response when pressing the keys, resulting in a more precise and deliberate typing experience.

Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits and cater to different preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience should opt for the Wine Red switch, while those who prefer a heavier and more substantial feel should consider the Blueberry switch. Regardless of the choice, it is important to note that both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with different levels of force required.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same amount of key travel. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Thus, the travel distances of both switches are equal, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.

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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 sharp typing feel. When typing on these switches, the sound produced is lower than average, with a tone that is a little deeper but not "thocky." On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light typing feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile.

In terms of sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches have a low-pitched tone, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow sound. The sound profile is clean and sharp, giving an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a bassy sound profile, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches have a low-pitched sound, but the Blueberry switches have a slightly different tone.

When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches are described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. These switches have a longer or dual-staged spring, enhancing the liveliness of the typing sensation. They also offer a buttery typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. Some users may prefer the textured nature of these switches, as they provide noticeable friction. The Blueberry switches can be considered invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. They are also on the stiffer side, requiring more force to actuate or bottom out.

Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the tactile qualities of the KTT Wine Red linear switches. However, based on the provided information, we can infer that they offer a pillowy light typing feel. As for sound, the Wine Red switches produce a deep and rich sound profile, similar to the Blueberry switches in terms of being low-pitched and bass-heavy.

In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a range of feels from snappy to invigorating. The KTT Wine Red linear switches offer a pillowy light typing feel and a deep and rich sound profile, although specific tactile qualities are unknown. Both switches provide an immersive typing experience, with the Blueberry switches leaning towards a sharper feel and the Wine Red switches emphasizing a deeper sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. These switches provide a unique and sharp typing feel that is loved by those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback. They also offer a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving you a deeper but not "thocky" sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel, the KTT Wine Red is the better choice. These switches offer a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile and a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the NovelKeys Blueberry and the Wine Red comes down to personal preference for the desired bottom out force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.

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