Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Box Black 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 Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switches are renowned for their hefty typing experience, offering a springy feel and a textured surface that resembles chalk. On the other hand, the Ink Box Blacks are known for their exceptional smoothness and creaminess, with a sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. The Berry switches fall under the category of being textured, low-pitched, and bassy, while the Ink Box Blacks are described as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. These general characteristics provide a starting point for selecting the switch that suits your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Box Black, the first noticeable difference lies in their top housing. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a moderately high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Described as clacky, this unique sound profile provides a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Berry employs a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing features. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, it produces a high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often characterized as clacky, contributing to the overall typing experience.
Although the housing materials differ between the two switches, both the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Box Black offer unique sound profiles. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, individuals who prefer a sharper, crisper sound with a translucent top housing for RGB lighting may lean towards the Berry. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound profile may find the Ink Box Black more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we can see some similarities as well as differences. Firstly, the actuation force is unavailable for the Berry switch, while it is 60 grams for the Ink Box Black switch. This means that the Ink Box Black switch requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium to heavy touch when fully pressed down. So, if one is looking for a lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Black would be a better choice as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both switches would provide similar results with their medium-heavy bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch are equal, with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 sound profile. This means that when pressed, you can expect a deeper and mellow tone with rich bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp, crisp, and bright sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so keep that in mind.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users appreciate this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is silky and polished. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile along with a textured feel, the Berry switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black switch would be more fitting. It's important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. Remember that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the final sound and feel, so be sure to choose components that complement your preferred switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a springy and chalk-like texture when typing, then the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a hefty typing experience and has a fairly deep sound profile that is low-pitched and bassy. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable. It has a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, with a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The Ink Box Black switch is also described as silky and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
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