Kailh Berry vs. Durock Blue Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Kailh Berry and the Durock Blue Lotus. The Berry switch is best known for its linear design, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. Typing on these switches delivers a springy feel accompanied by a unique chalk-like texture. Additionally, the Berry switch produces a fairly deep sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch from Durock offers a tactile experience like no other. With its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel and impressive snappiness. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switches come equipped with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and eye-catching RGB illumination. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Durock Blue Lotus differ in their choice of housing materials. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material results in a more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who value a clear and distinct typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials gives the switch a distinct character and adds to its overall premium aesthetic.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Berry and the Blue Lotus employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, both switches share similarities as they prioritize providing a satisfying and rich typing experience.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material become evident in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This means that in switches like the Blue Lotus and the Berry, the nylon bottom housing will influence the satisfying thud or cushioned landing when a key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound that is produced when you release a key. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Berry or the unique premium feel brought by the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing in the Blue Lotus, the choice of top housing material will influence the sound signature that is heard when keys are released.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Berry is currently unavailable, while the Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force in the medium-heavy range, with the Berry at 70 grams and the Blue Lotus at 65 grams.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Lotus, as its actuation force is lighter than that of the Berry. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Berry may be the preferred choice. Its bottom out force is slightly heavier than that of the Blue Lotus, providing a more solid and satisfying keystroke.

While the actuation force of the Berry remains unknown, it is important to note that the actuation force of the Blue Lotus is lighter than its bottom out force. This suggests that the Blue Lotus switch has a smoother and more responsive keystroke, as the force required to trigger a keystroke is lower than the force required to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Berry switch can be considered slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force compared to the Blue Lotus.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offer options to cater to individual needs.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. These variances may seem minimal, but they can make a difference in the overall typing or gaming experience.

For individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Berry switch may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, giving them a competitive edge. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may appreciate the longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus switch. The extra 0.1 mm can provide a slight sense of depth and prevent the keys from feeling too abrupt.

In general, it is important to consider personal preference when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch. If you prefer a swift and precise typing or gaming experience, the Berry switch with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy the feeling of a more solid key press and prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Blue Lotus switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, and it ultimately depends on the individual's preferences and needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deep and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is also described as bassy, providing a rich and deep sound experience. Both switches offer a similar low-frequency range, resulting in a satisfying depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its texture, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is described as accented, meaning it offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It provides a prominent tactile feel that adds to the typing experience. Additionally, it is also described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making typing feel more alive. The Blue Lotus switch can also be considered stepped, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch have their own unique characteristics. The Berry switch offers a springy and chalk-like feel, along with a deep sound profile. It is a good choice for those who prefer a linear switch with noticeable friction during typing. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch delivers a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination. It is suitable for users who enjoy a tactile switch with a snappy and stepped experience. Both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, but the differences in sound and feel make them distinct options for different preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that many users find satisfying. The Berry switch also offers a chalk-like texture when typing, adding to the overall tactile experience. In terms of sound, the Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy profile, delivering a deeper and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a similar medium-heavy feel as the Berry switch. The Blue Lotus switch is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It is also described as snappy and stepped, making the typing experience feel lively and dynamic. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more