Kailh Berry vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Kailh Box Royal. The Berry is widely recognized for its linear design, providing a smooth typing experience with a satisfying springy feel. Additionally, these switches feature a chalk-like texture, adding a unique touch to each keystroke. The sound profile of the Berry switches is fairly deep, offering a low-pitched and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Box Royal switches are renowned for their exceptional tactility. With a sharp and binary tactility, these switches deliver a nearly aggressive feedback with each press. The sound profile of the Box Royal switches is relatively higher pitched, giving off a more pronounced click. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different typing preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make the most informed decision based on your personal requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 the Kailh Box Royal differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Berry and the Box Royal use nylon. This classic housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will exhibit similarities due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in sound production. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon for both the Berry and the Box Royal, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate for the Berry or nylon for the Box Royal, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while there are distinct differences in the housing materials between the two switches, their impact on sound production is split between the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry has an actuation force of an unspecified amount of grams, while the Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have the same weight at 70 grams, which places them in the medium-heavy category.
The actuation force is an important factor to consider as it determines the force required to activate a keystroke. With an unspecified actuation force, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison between the Berry and the Box Royal in this regard. However, the Box Royal's actuation force of 45 grams suggests that it requires a lighter touch to trigger a key press compared to the Berry.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out or pressing the keys all the way down, both switches offer the same resistance at 70 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the amount of force required to fully depress the keys.
When deciding between the two switches, weight becomes a crucial consideration. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to enable longer periods of typing or gaming, the Box Royal with its lower actuation force may be the preferable choice. On the contrary, individuals who desire a more substantial and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Berry, even though its exact actuation force remains unknown. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall feel and comfort of the switches, making it essential for users to carefully consider their preferences and requirements before making a decision.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, both switches have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when using either switch, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and sensation when pressing down on the keys. The absence of a difference in travel distance suggests that the overall typing experience between the two switches will be virtually identical, resulting in similar results when it comes to key responsiveness and feel. Whether choosing the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, users can enjoy the benefit of a 3.6 mm travel distance for an enhanced and satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.25. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Berry and Box Royal.
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 best known for its hefty typing experience. When typing on these switches, you will feel a springy sensation and notice a chalk-like texture. The sound profile of the Berry switch is fairly deep, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp and binary tactility. If you prefer a highly tactile experience, the Box Royal switches are perfect for you. Their tactile bump is sharp and distinct with each and every keypress. The sound profile of the Box Royal switch is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound.
In terms of sound, the Berry switch is low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch is high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound. 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 Berry switch has a textured or scratchy feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch has a sharp tactile feel. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a distinct tactile feedback with each keypress.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a springy, textured feel and a fairly deep sound profile, while the Box Royal switch offers an aggressive and sharp tactile experience with a relatively higher pitched sound. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, but it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel. It is recommended to try out both switches before making a decision to find the one that suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Kailh Berry switch would be a suitable choice for you. These switches offer a springy and hefty typing experience, with a chalk-like texture and a fairly deep sound profile. They have a low-pitched and bassy sound, which provides a mellow and rich tone to your typing.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an extremely tactile switch, the Kailh Box Royal switch would be a great option. With the same bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a sharp and binary tactility that is nearly aggressive. The sound profile of the Box Royal switch is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy textured switches and a more bass-heavy sound, the Berry switch would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a sharp and intense tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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