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The Novelkeys (NK) Sherbet is one of the most popular clicky switches in the mechanical keyboard world…
But are they worth the hype?
Below is my thorough review of the NK Sherbet clicky switches.
Bottom Line: The NK Sherbets use a “click bar” mechanism to produce the clicking sound, which is much more pleasant and satisfying than “normal” clicky switches (like Cherry MX Blues). They sound crunchy and scratchy, and aren’t as loud or as sharp as the Kailh Box Jades, Pinks, or Pale Blues (box design switches). At roughly $0.50 per switch, they’re a MUCH better clicky switch than Cherry or Gateron clicky switches!
But personally, I still prefer the Kailh Box Jades or Pinks.
Let’s get into the details 👇
NK Sherbet Sound Test
As you can see, the click bar design (see below) leads to a MUCH more distinct “click” or “crunch” than typical blue or green clicky switches.
Click here to learn all about mechanical switch colors.
Novelkeys Sherbet Switch Details
Here are the specs of the switch:
Type
clicky (meaning there’s a tactile bump AND a small click noise)
Operating Force
45g (light resistance)
Travel Distance
2mm pre-travel (medium-long) and 4mm total travel (normal). Some people think the longer travel distance makes these switches feel mushy. I disagree!
Price
Around $0.50 each on Amazon (depending on the number of switches you buy)
Sound
Medium-loud clicky, crunchy, scratchy (in a good way)
Feel
They feel “normal,” and not in a bad way. Not mushy, just not “distinct” like Box Clicky switches
The biggest thing that sets the NK Sherbets apart is the click-bar mechanism.
Most “normal” clicky switches use a “click jacket” mechanism to produce the clicking noise (like Gateron Blues, Outemu blues, Razer, etc. The “click jacket” generally has a softer, higher-pitched click that clicks on the downward keystroke.
The click bar, however, has a much louder and crunchier click sound, and clicks on the downpress and return up!
inside the NK sherbet
Other switches that feature a click bar:
NK Sherbet Pricing:
You can also find them on KPRepublic here.
At right around $0.50 per switch—that’s a GREAT price for such a community-favorite clicky switch!
The Cherry MX Blues are much more expensive (roughly $1 per switch), and won’t sound or feel nearly as good.
Click here to see our best clicky switch recommendations.
NK Sherbet Sound & Feel
Here’s what I’ve personally found typing on the NK Sherbets for a few weeks.
Sound
These switches sound clicky, crunchy, and scratchy (in a good way).
Scratchiness is usually a bad thing for keyboards, but these switches sound like this intentionally, and I personally like it!
The click bar isn’t NEARLY as pronounced as on the Kailh Box clicky switches—but it’s superior to “click jacket clicky switches” like the Cherry MX Blues, Greens, etc.
Feel
The NK Sherbet’s feel surprisingly “normal” for a clicky switch.
When you type on the Kailh Box Jades (or Pinks or Navys or Whites), you KNOW you’re typing on a Kailh Box clicky switch! They feel very “distinct.” The NK Sherbets are much more normal.
They still have a slight “crunch” to them thanks to the clicky bar, but it isn’t as noticeable as on the Box Jades.
the NK sherbets aren’t in this picture, but they have the click bar, NOT the click jacket
And although they have a lighter 45g actuation force, they have a slightly longer travel distance (2mm pre-travel to actuation, 4mm total travel). They don’t feel overly light or fast.
Although a lot of mechanical keyboard YouTubers do NOT approve of the NK Sherbets because of how they feel (they usually blame the longer travel distance), I personally think they feel just fine! Nice and crunchy for a clicky switch.
Alternatives to the NK Sherbets
There are several switches that I personally think are better…
Switch
Type
Click Mechanism
Notes
Cherry MX Blue
Clicky
Click Jacket
The OG clicky switch. Sounds tappy. Most people don’t like.
Kailh Speed Copper
Clicky
Click Jacket
A faster, “gaming” switch (though the difference is small). Sounds more muted.
Kailh Box Jade
Clicky
Click Bar
The “hardcore” clicky switch is loud, metallic, and crunchy. Feels THICK and I love it.
Kailh Box White
Clicky
Click Bar
Similar to Jades, but lighter and maybe a bit faster and less intense
Kailh Box Navy
Clicky
Click Bar
Similar to Jades, but thicker and deeper
Kailh Box Pink
Clicky
Click Bar
Similar to Jades, but a bit more subtle
NK Cream
Linear
n/a
Similar to the NK Sherbets, but a linear switch that is super smooth and popular in the MK world!
Honestly, which clicky switch you choose comes down to what YOU find appealing to listen to, as well as the feel you want.
Conclusion: Should you buy the NK Sherbets?
The Novelkeys Sherbet are great clicky switches at a reasonable price point. They’re less tappy and higher-pitched than Cherry MX Blues, but less intense than the Kailh Box clicky switches.
They’re popular in the mechanical keyboard communities, and for good reason: they’re solid.
However, I still prefer the Kailh Box clicky switches (Jades, Pinks, Navy, and Whites). I think they are more satisfying to type on, and I enjoy a more metallic, louder click!
But if you’re into “subtle but fun,” you should give the NK Sherbets a try 😎
Click here to grab em on Amazon!
You can also check out some of our other switch reviews here:
- Kailh Speed Copper (tactile)
- Kailh Speed Gold (clicky)
- Kailh Deep Sea (silent linear)
- Akko Matcha Green vs Jelly Black (linear switch comparison)
- Gateron Milky Yellow (linear)
- Gateron Ink Black (linear)