Kailh Berry vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Berry is distinguished by its hefty typing experience, offering a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, bassy. On the other hand, the Gold Silver is known for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and a smooth journey from press to bottoming out, with a resonant sound signature categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, subtle. If you prioritize a typing experience with a strong tactile feel, the Kailh Berry may be the choice for you. Alternatively, if you value quick and decisive keystrokes accompanied by a smooth operation, the TTC Gold Silver could be your ideal pick. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. In contrast, while both switches also feature a nylon bottom housing, typing on switches with nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
One notable similarity between the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Silver switches is their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. However, the difference lies in the top housing material, where the Berry switch utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound, while the Gold Silver switch also employs polycarbonate for similar sound characteristics. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Silver switches emphasizes the importance of material selection in achieving specific sound profiles. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, the variation in their top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics. The stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing of the Berry switch creates a more resonant and clear sound, while the softer nylon of the bottom housing enhances the depth of the sound. In comparison, the Gold Silver switch also incorporates polycarbonate in the top housing, leading to similar sound qualities as the Berry switch, ultimately showcasing how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and TTC Gold Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch. The actuation force for the Berry is not specified, while the Gold Silver does not have a specified bottom out force. The differences in force can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial feel of the heavier bottom out force of the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches are considered to have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver switch for faster response times, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Berry switch to provide a more satisfying key press with more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel. Overall, the differences in travel distance between the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Silver switches are minimal, so both options are likely to provide similar results for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer a resonant and bass-heavy sound profile, making them suitable for users who enjoy a deeper and more mellow tone during typing sessions. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps chosen for the setup.
Looking at the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. This means that the Gold Silver switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and offering a sleek typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Berry switch leans towards a textured feel, the Gold Silver switch provides a more gentle and smooth typing experience suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and smoother key travel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-like texture with a deep sound profile, the Gold Silver switch offers rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke journey, and a resonant sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and the overall feel of the switches. If a user prefers a more textured and friction-oriented typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch would be ideal, while those who appreciate a smoother and polished typing feel may prefer the TTC Gold Silver switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force that align with your preferences and typing style. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience and enjoy the benefits of a mechanical keyboard switch that complements your needs.
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