Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Red, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Berry switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, characterized by a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture. It also offers a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch stands out with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. It provides a satisfyingly smooth experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$6.25 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Gateron Ink Red differ in their housing materials. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both housing materials have distinct sound characteristics, their differences highlight unique tonal qualities.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Kailh Berry incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contributes to a different typing experience compared to the Ink Red. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

While the top and bottom housings have varying materials and impacts on sound, it is worth noting that pressing down on both the Berry and the Ink Red will provide a unique typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, even though the housing materials differ, both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, ensuring an engaging typing experience for users. Overall, while the Berry and the Ink Red have differences in their housing materials, they both provide satisfying sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Kailh Berry switch has an actuation force whose exact weight is unavailable, but is heavier compared to the Gateron Ink Red's actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch requires 70 grams to fully press down, making it medium-heavy, while the Gateron Ink Red switch requires 60 grams, which is considered to be medium.

In terms of weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use may find the Gateron Ink Red switch to be more suitable. This would be ideal for those using their keyboard for work purposes or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, for individuals who desire a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force would be a better choice.

While the actuation forces of both switches have a noticeable difference, it is important to note that the bottom out forces are fairly similar. Therefore, individuals who prefer a heavier typing experience can achieve similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, taking into consideration their desired typing experience and the duration of use.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry. The most traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Berry with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best characterized as low-pitched and bassy. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Berry switches have a fairly deep sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a lower frequency range and a more resonant tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle ground between higher and lower-pitched switches. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a chirpy sound characteristic that distinguishes them from other switches. This unique acoustic signature adds a slight squeak to each key press. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a textured typing experience. Textured switches, as the name suggests, have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing feel. The Berry switches are described as having a chalk-like texture when typing on them, providing a springy and slightly grippy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a silky typing experience. Silky switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Reds offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The smoothness of the typing feel can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubrication.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry and Gateron Ink Red linear switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Berry switches provide a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. They produce a fairly deep sound, characterized as low-pitched and bassy. On the other hand, the Ink Red switches are perfect for those with a lighter typing style. They offer a satisfyingly smooth feel, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. While these switches may differ in terms of sound and feel, both can provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. If you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound, choosing the neutral Gateron Ink Red switch may be a suitable alternative. Similarly, if you prefer a smoother typing feel, choosing the Ink Red switch would be a good choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prefer a more springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force of 60 grams, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be more suitable. The Ink Reds offer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Overall, the Berry switch is best known for its hefty typing experience and deep sound, while the Ink Red switch is known for its lighter actuation force and effortless typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more