Gateron Beer vs. Kailh Berry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Berry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Berry switches stand out for their unique qualities. The Gateron Beer switch offers a tactile experience with a light touch and stepped tactility, providing a distinct feel from other switches. It also produces a characteristic clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry switch is a linear switch that offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture. It produces a deep sound profile for a satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own advantages, with the Beer being easy-to-press and clacky, while the Berry is textured and bassy. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Kailh Berry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches are ideal for RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, while the Beer also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Berry utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This results in the Beer offering consistent sound qualities throughout the switch, while the Berry provides a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound.
In terms of sound production, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Berry switches share similar characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, making them ideal for users who prefer a distinctive typing experience. However, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in sound as well. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound profile, while the Berry's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This difference highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound quality of a switch.
When it comes to tactile experience, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Berry switches offer distinct sensations based on their housing materials. The Beer's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent feel throughout typing, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to a more defined tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Berry's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience, with the softer nylon providing a smoother bottom-out feel. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can influence the tactile feedback and overall typing experience of a switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch differ significantly. The Beer has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In comparison, the Berry has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, but the actuation force is unknown, meaning it may require a heavier push to activate. Some users may prefer the lighter Beer switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier Berry switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, it is evident that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Berry's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of preferred travel distances for different preferences. Gamers may lean towards the Beer for its slightly quicker response time, while those who enjoy a more deliberate key press may opt for the Berry. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a low-pitched and deep sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Beer providing a bright and percussive sound, while the Berry delivers a richer and deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its springy typing experience and chalk-like texture when typing on them. The Berry switch offers a textured feel, adding a unique tactile sensation to the typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a light and refreshing typing experience with its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Berry switch offers a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile and textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. If one prefers a sharper sound and easier keypresses, the Beer switch is the way to go, while those looking for a deeper sound and textured feel may find the Berry switch more appealing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a subtle tactility and clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and priorities in terms of force, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose wisely based on your personal preferences and needs.
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