Kailh Berry vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and Dareu Master both offer unique characteristics suited to different preferences. The Kailh Berry linear switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, with a springy feel and chalk-like texture. Its sound profile is deep and categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch provides users with a medium weight feel, a classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness in operation. Its sound profile is described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. While both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Master, one key difference is in their top housings. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Master opts for a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Berry provides a clearer and more resonant tone, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Master offers a pleasing and distinct sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
On the bottom housing front, the Berry features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Master also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique deep sound profile. Both materials offer a rounder and more muted sound compared to harder plastics, with the nylon in the Berry absorbing more sound for a duller tone. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings aim to create a satisfying typing experience with their sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Master housing materials will come down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Berry or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Master, both switches offer unique and pleasing typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Master has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is not specified. This means that the Berry is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Master has a lighter actuation force. This indicates that the Berry switch may provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Master switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. In situations where the force specifications are the same or unavailable, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Berry has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Master. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Berry switch, while those who prefer a slightly quicker response may find the Master switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing/gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and more mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharper and more percussive sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, with the Berry being more bass-heavy and the Master offering a classic clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a unique feel that some users may prefer for added feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Additionally, the Master switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Berry emphasizing texture and the Master focusing on a more polished and smooth feel.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch provides a springy and textured typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the Master switch offers a medium weight feel with a clacky sound signature and polished finish. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve a typing experience that suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. The low-pitched and bassy sound profile of the Berry switches may also appeal to you if you prefer a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master linear switch would be a better fit for you. The mild and polished feel of the Master switch offers a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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