Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Kailh Berry is a linear switch that offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. Its sound profile is deep, giving it a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is also a linear switch but provides a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. It boasts a smooth and sleek design with a higher-pitched clack when used. These switches are categorized as textured, low-pitched, bassy for the Berry, and clacky, high-pitched, silky, polished for the Ink Box Pink. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best-informed decision on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$6.25 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, one major contrast is found in their top housings. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who desire a more defined typing experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, but without being overly sharp. The resulting "clacky" sound is satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched, suited for those who prefer a distinctive typing tone.

In terms of aesthetics, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, which makes it well-suited for switches featuring RGB lighting. This allows for an enhanced lighting effect that can add a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink does not possess the same level of transparency. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Berry may be the preferred option due to its polycarbonate top housing.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Berry incorporates a nylon material while the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's INK blend. Nylon, being a softer plastic, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, Gateron's INK blend bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The clacky sound produced by the bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink aligns with the overall sound experience of the switch.

Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play important roles in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with translucency benefits for RGB lighting enthusiasts, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a slightly more subdued yet still clacky sound. The difference in bottom housing materials, nylon for the Berry and Gateron's INK blend for the Ink Box Pink, may influence the depth and tone of the typing sound. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh Berry switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, while the Ink Box Pink requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch requires a heavier 70 grams of force, while the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly lighter 60 grams.

Weight is an important consideration when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as this allows for prolonged typing sessions without significant fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may find a heavier force more satisfying and enjoyable.

In this case, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it favorable for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have a relatively similar bottom out force, with the Ink Box Pink requiring slightly less force at 60 grams compared to the Berry's 70 grams.

Overall, individuals looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while those who prefer a heavier actuation force may find the Kailh Berry to be a better fit. Nevertheless, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring that users can achieve a similar level of typing satisfaction regardless of their choice.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both have the same 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 and tactile feedback from both switches in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses will have a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that the sound will be sharp, crisp, and percussive, with a higher frequency range. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a deeper and mellow sound, the Berry switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ink Box Pink switch would be more suitable. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a textured experience. This means that there will be noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users prefer for a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky and polished feel. This means that the typing experience will be exceptionally smooth, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Box Pink switch is known for its refined finish and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel. Again, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy a textured feel with noticeable friction, the Berry switch would be a good option. If you prefer a silky and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, the Ink Box Pink switch would be more suitable.

Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have their own unique subjective qualities. The Berry switch offers a springy and chalk-like typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile and a textured feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch provides a lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound and a silky, polished feel. While the two switches have different qualities, they both offer a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. It's important to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both options will provide satisfactory results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In closing, to decide between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier typing feel with a springy and chalk-like texture, the Berry switches would be a good choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Berry switches deliver a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a smooth and polished finish, the Ink Box Pink switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches are known for their higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more