Kailh Berry vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and Zuoce Lavender both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty typing experience, featuring a springy feel and chalk-like texture while providing a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box. While the Berry switch is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy, the Lavender switch is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky. Both switches have their own strengths that appeal to different users, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and Zuoce Lavender switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lavender features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Berry's nylon bottom housing results in a fuller and deeper sound, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Lavender's POM bottom housing also contributes to a similar deep and muted sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Kailh Berry and Zuoce Lavender switches share similar sound profiles in terms of overall depth and muted tones. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lavender's POM top housing produces a unique and pleasing deeper sound. On the other hand, both switches feature a bottom housing that enhances the typing experience with a fuller and deeper sound. This suggests that while the top and bottom housings may differ between these switches, their overall sound profiles are likely to be quite similar in terms of depth and richness.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and Zuoce Lavender switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing experience. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to those looking for a unique and pleasing typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience with distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it's evident that there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh Berry has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option in terms of triggering keystrokes, while it requires 70 grams of force to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Berry when typing, and a bottom out force of 53 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lavender, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Lavender may appeal to those prioritizing quick key presses, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Berry may provide a more deliberate and substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a more mellow and deep sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound, giving a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Berry switch leaning towards a deeper tone and the Lavender switch towards a brighter and more tactile sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, with a notable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for added feedback. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the Berry switch with its textured feel and the Lavender switch with its easy-to-press nature cater to different typing preferences, providing a variety of options for users to choose from based on their individual needs.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can appeal to different preferences. While the Berry switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a textured typing experience, the Lavender switch offers a crisp and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper tone with some texture or a bright and smooth typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferred sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and Zuoce Lavender linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, along with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Berry switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness right out of the box, a crisp and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press typing feel, the Lavender switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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