Kailh Berry vs. TTC Bluish White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Bluish White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch. While both switches have their unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences. The Berry switches provide a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a satisfyingly deep sound. On the other hand, the Bluish White switches offer a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Their buttery and mild tactility, along with the stepped and subtle feedback, create a polished and low-pitched typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and TTC Bluish White switches have similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Kailh Berry and TTC Bluish White switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relative softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
However, it's important to note that the differences between the top and bottom housings of a switch can impact the overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, it is likely that the nuances in sound and feel between the Kailh Berry and TTC Bluish White switches can be attributed to the differences in their housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and TTC Bluish White switches share many similarities, resulting in similar sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to their polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound during typing. It is only when considering the specific impact of each housing on the overall sound and feel that slight differences may arise between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Kailh Berry's actuation force is currently unavailable, meaning the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. However, it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it significantly lighter than the Berry switch. Additionally, the Bluish White switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the TTC Bluish White switch. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Kailh Berry switch. While the actuation force of the Berry switch is unknown, its heavier bottom out force of 70 grams provides users with a stronger push, creating a more tactile and solid typing experience.
Though the actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified, it is possible to achieve similar results to the lighter Bluish White switch by opting for a lighter touch when pressing down. However, it is important to note that the perceived feel of the switch may still differ due to factors such as switch design and materials used. In summary, the Kailh Berry linear switch leans towards a potentially heavier typing experience, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a lighter touch for those seeking increased endurance during typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in keyboards today. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers who value faster response times. If you are someone who prioritizes responsiveness, then the Berry with its 3.6 mm travel distance might be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper typing experience. In that case, the Bluish White switch with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for providing a hefty typing experience with a springy feel. When typing on these switches, there is a chalk-like texture that adds to the tactile feedback. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as fairly deep with a low-pitched tone, offering a bass-heavy and mellow sound during key presses.
On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. These switches provide a snappy sound profile while typing. In terms of feel, the Bluish Whites are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They have a mild characteristic, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The switch is also stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-like texture while offering a deep, bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the Bluish White switch offers a poppy and snappy typing experience with a buttery and mild feel, as well as a polished finish for smooth key travel. While they have different characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that can be suitable for different preferences. Depending on the user's preference for linear or tactile switches, they can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a hefty typing experience and a chalk-like texture. They are known for their low-pitched and bassy sound profile.
On the other hand, if you desire a lighter typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy feel and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a better fit for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a gentle and buttery typing sensation. They are known for their low-pitched sound profile and their mild and polished feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a heavier or lighter typing experience, a deeper or snappier sound profile, and a textured or buttery feel. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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