Kailh Berry vs. KTT Darling

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and KTT Darling both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty and springy feel, with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. While the Berry switch is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy, the Darling switch is described as bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Each switch brings its own set of characteristics to the table, appealing to users who prioritize different aspects of typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

KTT Darling Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the KTT Darling both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This quality makes them ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning light effects to shine through. On the other hand, the Berry's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can be satisfying for users looking for a quieter typing experience.

In terms of their top housing materials, the Kailh Berry and the KTT Darling share the same polycarbonate construction, bringing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile to both switches. However, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Berry's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Darling's nylon bottom housing has similar characteristics. Both bottom housings absorb more sound than their harder counterparts, resulting in a quieter typing experience that some users may prefer. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.

Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the KTT Darling play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a choice between a deeper and fuller sound (Berry) or a quieter and more absorbent sound (Darling). Whether users prefer a crisper sound with a stiffer bottom housing or a softer, more muted typing experience, these differences in housing materials allow for customization and personal preference in selecting the ideal switch for individual needs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Berry has an actuation force of None grams, making it relatively light in terms of triggering a keystroke, while the Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly more substantial push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry requires 70 grams for full depression, giving it a medium-heavy typing experience, whereas the Darling bottom out force is 53 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This means that the Darling switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Berry switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press response despite the differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable to the average user, but those who are more sensitive to variations in key feel may find the KTT Darling to be slightly more shallow compared to the Kailh Berry. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Berry being slightly longer by 0.1 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a mellow and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Berry switch delivers a deeper and mellower sound, the Darling switch offers a sharper and more resonant auditory feedback. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

As for the feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction present when pressing the keys. On the contrary, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback with a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Whether you prefer a textured or bouncy typing experience, both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry and KTT Darling linear switches each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. The Berry switch is known for its springy texture and deep sound profile, while the Darling switch offers a chewy typing sensation and resonant high-pitched sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, factors such as keycaps and keyboard boards can further customize the sound and feel of these switches to suit your individual needs. Ultimately, regardless of the specific switch chosen, both the Berry and Darling linear switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a springy, chalk-like texture while typing, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a chewy and substantial typing sensation along with a pronounced bounciness, the Darling switch could be the ideal option. Additionally, if you are inclined towards low-pitched and bassy sound profiles, the Berry switch may suit your preferences, while the Darling switch offers a more clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more