Kailh Berry vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the HMX Blue Topaz both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Berry is a linear switch known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture when typing. It offers a deep sound profile and is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz linear switch offers a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making keystrokes effortless. Its housing features a distinctive glitter and produces a clacky sound, adding visual and auditory delight. While the Berry provides a tactile and deep typing experience, the Blue Topaz offers easy-to-press keys with a pleasant clacky sound. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and HMX Blue Topaz both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the top housing to create a visually appealing effect. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Kailh Berry and HMX Blue Topaz differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Blue Topaz also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their different top housings, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the Kailh Berry and HMX Blue Topaz switches showcase the impact that different housing materials can have on the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, they each offer a unique typing experience with their respective nylon bottom housings. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housings allows users to feel the effects of both materials when typing on these switches, providing a dynamic and immersive typing experience. Whether it's the clearer sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option. The Berry switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it uncertain, while the Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch requires 70 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range, whereas the Blue Topaz only needs 48 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the Blue Topaz switch would be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Berry switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is not significant, with the Blue Topaz being slightly longer than the Berry. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, whether you choose the Berry or the Blue Topaz will depend on your personal preference for switch travel distance. If you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel when typing, the Blue Topaz may be the better option. However, if you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Berry may be more suitable for your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during typing. The sound is deeper and richer, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to each keystroke. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving onto the feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a textured typing experience with a chalk-like texture when pressing the keys, offering a springy and tactile feel that some users may appreciate. On the contrary, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, featuring a lightweight actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. The smooth actuation of the Blue Topaz switch ensures minimal resistance during key presses, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing experience. Again, the preference between these two switches in terms of feel would depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Overall, when considering both sound and feel aspects, it is important to assess personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a low-pitched, bassy sound with a textured typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a clacky sound signature with an easy-to-press feel that offers minimal resistance, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to enhance your overall typing experience.