Kailh Berry vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Red. The Berry switches are well-known for their hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. These switches also produce a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as being textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They have a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. These switches are categorized as thocky, low-pitched, neutral, mild, silky, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities and characteristics, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Red switches have similar housing materials, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those intending to use RGB lighting in their setups. Therefore, when it comes to the sound and aesthetic aspects influenced by the top housing, users can expect similar results from both the Berry and Gold Red switches.
While the top housing material may be the same for both switches, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Kailh Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar effect on the sound profile. Thus, in terms of the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Berry and Gold Red switches will deliver comparable results due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the split between the top and bottom housing materials contributes to different aspects of the switch's performance. When pressing down on either the Kailh Berry or TTC Gold Red switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the two switches share similarities and differences in their housing materials, users can expect a comparable experience with regards to the overall sound profile produced by both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, some notable differences arise. Starting with the actuation force, the Kailh Berry switch's exact measurement is unknown, while the TTC Gold Red requires a lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of the bottom out force, the Kailh Berry registers at a medium-heavy 70 grams, while the TTC Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering these differences, the weight of the switches becomes an important factor to consider. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the TTC Gold Red switch due to its lower actuation force, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This lighter weight is especially beneficial for individuals using the keyboard extensively during work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Kailh Berry switch's higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more impactful key press.
In summary, while the exact actuation force of the Kailh Berry switch is unknown in this comparison, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a lighter touch. In terms of the bottom out force, the Kailh Berry is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the TTC Gold Red remains lighter. It is important to understand one's personal preferences and intended usage to choose the appropriate switch, as both options offer distinct advantages.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be beneficial for gamers who favor faster response times. The 3.6 mm travel distance provides a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth when typing. The 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive travel distance or a longer, more substantial one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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, the Kailh Berry linear switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches have a thocky sound profile. This means that they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Both switches have a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Berry switches have a slightly deeper sound profile compared to the Gold Red switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switches are described as textured. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a mild and silky typing experience. They have a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches are exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Red switches are described as subtle, meaning they have a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light typing feel. The Gold Red switches are also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switches provide a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile. The texture of these switches adds a unique element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, but the Berry switches have a deeper sound compared to the Gold Red switches. While the Berry switches are textured, the Gold Red switches are mild, silky, subtle, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide different characteristics and qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a fairly deep sound profile, then the Kailh Berry linear switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy resistance that can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a textured feel, the Berry switch's noticeable friction when pressed might be appealing to you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and a snappy sound profile, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light-medium level of resistance that can provide a pleasant and approachable typing feel. The Gold Red switch's thocky sound profile adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious.
In terms of sound, both switches share the characteristic of being low-pitched, which typically offers a deeper and more bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Berry switch's bassy sound can be described as more mellow, while the Gold Red switch's sound can be characterized as a deep and satisfying thock.
In terms of feel, the Berry switch's textured nature might offer a more pronounced friction when pressed, while the Gold Red switch provides a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Gold Red switch can be described as silky, subtle, and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience. Consider factors such as typing force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns more with your preferences. Happy typing!
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