Kailh Berry vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the decision ultimately boils down to preferences for typing experience. The Berry switch offers a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, allowing for a background presence without distracting keystroke sounds. While the Berry switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, the Gold Brown Pro switch caters to individuals who value a more understated and quiet 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
Both the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Brown Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. However, the differences may lie in the design aesthetics of each switch, as well as any unique features that are specific to each brand.
On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom can lead to a more balanced sound and feel when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key.
Overall, while the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Brown Pro share similar housing materials in terms of polycarbonate and nylon, their individual designs and any additional features may set them apart in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, but the specific characteristics may vary depending on how they are integrated into the overall switch design.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we see a clear difference in weight. The Kailh Berry has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams with no specified actuation force, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be considered the lighter option compared to the Kailh Berry. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press a key all the way down. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Kailh Berry for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Berry to be more abrupt, while the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and more melodic tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, resulting in a rich and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Berry being more deep and mellow, while the Gold Brown Pro is subtler and more neutral in its sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry switch stands out for its textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a polished and silky smooth key travel, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing feel. The Gold Brown Pro switch also provides a mild and subtle tactile feedback, perfect for users who prefer a gentler typing experience without sacrificing tactility. With these tactile switches, typists can enjoy a refined and smooth keystroke while maintaining a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-like texture with a deep and bassy sound profile, while the Gold Brown Pro switch delivers a subtle and polished typing experience accompanied by a thocky and low-pitched sound. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find their ideal match based on their desired tactile feedback and auditory experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more textured and springy feel with a deep sound or a polished and silky smooth typing experience with a subtle sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile that allows you to focus on your tasks without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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