Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Luciola. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Kailh Berry is revered for its linear design, providing a hefty and springy typing feel. Its sound profile is characterized by a deep tone, evoking a textured and low-pitched sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. With a medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing feel, this switch offers a distinctive sound profile akin to shaking a can of spray paint. It boasts a snappy, clacky, and high-pitched impression, earning descriptions such as marbly, buttery, and polished. However, let's explore these switches further to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$6.25 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is known for its translucency, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky. Although both switches have distinct sound profiles, they both offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Berry showcasing a sharper tone and the Luciola providing a unique clacky sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Berry utilizes a nylon material which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Luciola also utilizes a proprietary INK blend, this time for the bottom housing. While both switches feature a high-pitched sound, the Luciola's bottom housing contributes to this characteristic sound, described as clacky. Overall, the combination of the INK blend materials in the Luciola creates a distinct clacky sound, whereas the nylon in the Berry offers a deeper and fuller tone.

Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. As a result, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing enhances the release sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing contributes to the satisfying clacky sound upon key release. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon and INK blend affect the bottom-out sound accordingly.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is in the medium range.

In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for long periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, there are those who prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, options with heavier forces are more suitable.

While the actuation forces for the Berry and Luciola switches differ, the bottom out forces are relatively similar. Therefore, if an individual prefers a lighter actuation force, opting for the Luciola switch would provide similar results in terms of bottom out force. However, for those who desire a heavier actuation force, the Berry switch would be the more appropriate choice.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Berry or the Luciola, you can expect similar results and a consistent typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive travel distance, making them suitable options for users seeking a linear switch with a standard travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone. This results in a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, creating a mellow and pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a clacky and chirpy sound. It produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive noise when pressed, with a unique squeak that sets it apart. Additionally, the Luciola switch also has a marbly option, which provides a resonant and clean sound resembling tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured. It has noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for a tactile typing experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy and buttery feel. The snappy sensation is achieved through super responsive springs, making the typing experience more lively. Meanwhile, the buttery feeling implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing effortless and uniform typing. The Luciola switch also offers a polished option, which indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel and reduced friction.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Berry excels in a springy and chalk-like typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its glowing feature and smooth, bouncy feel. The sound profile of each switch differs as well, with the Berry favoring a low-pitched and bassy tone, while the Luciola switch provides a variety of options ranging from clacky and chirpy to marbly. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to find the combination of sound and feel that suits them best.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Berry switches also have a textured feel, which some users may enjoy. On the other hand, if you're looking for an eye-catching switch that glows in the dark, with a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. The Luciola switches have a unique hollow sound profile that can be compared to a can of spray paint being shaken. They also offer a range of sound options, from clacky and chirpy to marbly and high-pitched. Additionally, the Luciola switches provide a snappy and responsive typing experience, making your keystrokes feel more alive. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and Gateron Luciola linear switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and visual appeal.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more