Kailh Berry vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Red Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry, a linear switch, provides a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile that is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is praised for its versatility and ease of press, offering a seamless typing experience suitable for users with varied preferences. It boasts a neutral sound signature that is neither too loud nor too quiet, categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, and subtle. While both switches have their strengths, each appeals to different users based on their specific needs and 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Red Pro switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonant sound produced by the switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Berry and Gold Red Pro switches utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This can provide a more muted typing experience compared to switches with harder bottom housings, making them a popular choice for those who prefer quieter switches.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the distribution of these materials plays a key role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how the different housing materials influence the sound and feel of a switch, users can choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Gold Red Pro switch lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Berry switch. When it comes to preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Red Pro switch due to its lower actuation force. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Berry switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for users looking for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster reactions during gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the TTC Gold Red Pro switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky sound with a neutral tone, striking a balance between being not too pronounced and not too muted. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Berry providing a deeper and richer sound while the Gold Red Pro offers a more harmonious and adaptable sound suitable for various environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured feel, offering a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a polished and silky feel, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The Gold Red Pro switch also offers a mild and subtle typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users. The Berry switch's textured feel may appeal to those who prefer noticeable friction when typing, while the Gold Red Pro's smooth and polished feel caters to those who prefer a sleek and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a deeper and textured typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro switch offers a polished and silky typing feel with a thocky and neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Berry switch for a more tactile and textured experience or the Gold Red Pro switch for a smoother and polished typing feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality linear switch option for users seeking different tactile and auditory experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific use case. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and deeper sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value versatility, ease of press, and a neutral sound signature, the Gold Red Pro switch could be the more suitable choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for and what feels best to you personally.
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