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Kailh Berry vs. KTT Cream Yellow

An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Berry and the KTT Cream Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, providing a satisfying springy feel and a chalk-like texture. Not only that, but its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel, creating a truly unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

58g

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

No

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

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

18mm spring

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the KTT Cream Yellow both share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Berry and the Cream Yellow switches will offer a similar sound profile and visually appealing lighting effects due to their polycarbonate top housing.

In terms of their bottom housing, both the Berry and the Cream Yellow switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a distinct and satisfying auditory experience. The Berry and the Cream Yellow switches will share these characteristics in their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile when it comes to the typing experience.

When the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, as is the case with the Berry and the Cream Yellow, the unique qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily evoke the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the release sound will be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Berry and the Cream Yellow may have similarities in their respective top and bottom housings, the division of housing materials will result in slight differences in sound and feel during typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Berry switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to compare directly to the Cream Yellow switch's actuation force of 50 grams. However, it is evident that the Cream Yellow switch has a lighter actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch has a heavier force of 70 grams, while the Cream Yellow switch has a slightly lighter force of 58 grams.

Considering the significance of weight in keyboard preferences, those seeking a lighter typing experience will appreciate the Cream Yellow switch with its lighter actuation force. This lighter force allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Berry switch with its heavier bottom out force. However, it is important to note that both switches fall under the medium heaviness category.

Overall, while the actuation force of the Kailh Berry linear switch remains unknown, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force. Those seeking a more comfortable and extended typing experience may prefer the Cream Yellow switch, while those seeking a stronger and more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Berry switch, if its actuation force aligns with their preferences.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. However, the Berry switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cream Yellow switch. If you prioritize faster response times and prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be a better option for you due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Berry switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better choice. Overall, both switches offer similar results but cater to different preferences in terms of keypress depth.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.

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 subjective qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Berry offers a satisfyingly deep and bass-heavy sound profile, creating a mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to produce a distinctively clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The choice of board and keycaps can also impact the sound of the switches.

In terms of feel, the Berry switch provides a springy and hefty typing experience. It is described as having a chalk-like texture when typing on them, indicating a noticeable friction during key presses. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel. Its lengthened spring contributes to a lively sensation, providing a rebound when keys are pressed.

Considering all available information, it is clear that the Kailh Berry and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a deeper and mellow sound profile with a textured typing experience, while the Cream Yellow switch offers a clacky sound and a bouncy feel. However, it is important to note that individual preferences can vary, and the choice of board and keycaps can also affect the overall typing experience. If you aim for a similar result in sound or feel, you may consider the Berry switch for a low-pitched and rich sound, while the Cream Yellow switch can provide a bouncy typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a slightly heavier and springy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch may be the better choice for you. The Berry switch features a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. It also has a chalk-like texture when typing on them, which some users may prefer. Furthermore, its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds a mellow and rich tone to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it provides a medium feel. The Cream Yellow switch's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to its resonant audio feedback, making it produce a crisp, bright, and percussive clacky sound. Additionally, its lengthened spring offers a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, giving you rebound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

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