Kailh Berry vs. KTT Laurel

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, it can be a daunting task with so many options available in the market. Two popular choices that are worth considering are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Laurel. The Berry switch offers a unique typing experience with its linear design, providing a hefty and springy feel to your keystrokes. Additionally, the chalk-like texture adds an extra touch of satisfaction. On the other hand, the Laurel switch features a medium-light linear design with a full POM housing, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its short travel and long pole design, the Laurel switch ensures a pleasant typing experience. Furthermore, its subtly low-pitched sound profile adds a pleasing auditory element. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

KTT Laurel Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the KTT Laurel differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Laurel's POM top housing generates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have unique sound characteristics, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a sharper and more distinct sound, whereas the Laurel's POM top housing is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper and more subtle sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, the materials also differ in the sound profiles they produce. The Berry features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to the same deep and muted sound profile as its POM top housing. Both housing materials offer a pleasing and unique sound, but the Berry's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly fuller and richer sound compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing.

It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is not limited to sound. The qualities of the bottom housing are experienced when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. While the Berry and Laurel differ in their housing materials, they both provide distinct and desirable qualities to enhance the typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper and crisper sound of the Berry or the deeper and more muted sound of the Laurel, both switches offer unique options in housing materials for individuals seeking specific sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we find some distinct differences. The Berry switch has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while the Laurel switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This implies that the Berry switch may have a heavier actuation force than the Laurel switch, but the exact comparison cannot be made.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Berry switch requires a force of 70 grams to fully bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Berry switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Laurel switch will result in a lighter typing experience.

Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience will benefit from the Laurel switch, as its actuation force and bottom out force are both lighter than that of the Berry switch. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing comfort, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, if a user prefers a more substantial typing feel requiring a stronger push, the Berry switch with its heavier forces would be the preferred choice.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable for comparison, the Laurel switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Berry switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a better choice for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times for their actions. If you prioritize a highly responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Laurel switch may be more suitable. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Berry switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience, with a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture when typing on them. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as fairly deep, with a low-pitched and bassy tone. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is a medium-light switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. It features a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, but the Berry switch offers a deeper and richer tone compared to the Laurel switch. The feel of the Berry switch is described as textured, with noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience.

So, to summarize, the Kailh Berry and KTT Laurel linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and noticeable friction, resulting in a chalk-like texture. It offers a fairly deep and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Laurel switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a light-medium typing experience with a snappy feel. It has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. While both switches have a low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch has a relatively lighter tone compared to the Berry switch. Overall, the sound and feel of these switches can greatly contribute to the overall experience of using a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch is a great choice for you. It offers a chalk-like texture when typing and a fairly deep sound profile, which some users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel switch is the ideal option. This switch features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a medium-light typing experience. It also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Berry and the Laurel switches will depend on your personal preferences for force, feel, and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more