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Kailh Berry vs. TTC Flaming Purple

An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the TTC Flaming Purple both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry is known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture, with a sound profile that is deep and low-pitched. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, feathery nature with a light bottom-out force, and a slightly bassier sound signature that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While the Berry switch provides a textured and bassy typing experience, the Flaming Purple offers a more feathery and easy-to-press feel. 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

42g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

47g

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Pre-travel

1.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

No

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POK

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

23mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

Both the Kailh Berry and TTC Flaming Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a consideration, as the material's translucency allows for better illumination. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Flaming Purple also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a duller and rounder sound.

While both the Berry and Flaming Purple switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housings result in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows each switch to have a distinct feel when pressed. The bottom housing's impact is felt more in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the overall sound profile of the switches is influenced by the combination of both housing materials, showcasing the importance of each component in creating a unique typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Berry and Flaming Purple switches may come down to personal preference in sound output and typing feel. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a duller, rounder sound, both switches provide options for users seeking varied typing experiences. The combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a balanced sound output that caters to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is clear that the Berry has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 47 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In terms of actuation force, the Flaming Purple requires 42 grams while the Berry's actuation force is unspecified. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Berry providing a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces, while the Flaming Purple offers a lighter touch which may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force requirements.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6mm, making them both equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance between the two switches, both offer the same key press feel and feedback due to their identical travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Kailh Berry or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance. The travel distance of 3.6mm for both switches ensures a consistent typing experience and responsiveness for users.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.

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, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch are described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. While the Berry offers a deep and mellow tone, the Flaming Purple adds a touch of a poppy undertone to each keystroke, creating an engaging auditory experience. The Flaming Purple is also noted for its resonant character, providing a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying auditory feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Berry leaning towards a bass-heavy tone and the Flaming Purple offering a slightly more dynamic sound experience.

Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as providing a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, offering a unique tactile feedback to users. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is highlighted for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force not only reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions but also enhances the typing experience by providing a smooth and comfortable feel. Additionally, the Flaming Purple switch is noted for its silky smooth typing experience, further adding to the overall typing comfort. Overall, while the Berry switch offers a textured typing feel, the Flaming Purple switch provides a light and effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a deep and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its resonant character and smooth, feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing experience, users can choose between the deep and mellow tone of the Berry switch or the dynamic and engaging sound of the Flaming Purple switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, catering to the diverse needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you'll want to consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier typing feel with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile, the Berry switch with its 70g bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, feathery typing experience with a poppy undertone and effortless typing due to its 47g bottom out force, the Flaming Purple switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.

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