Kailh Berry vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, finding the perfect switch can make all the difference in your typing experience. Two popular choices to consider are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Berry switch is best known for its hefty typing experience, offering a springy feel and a chalk-like texture while typing. Its sound profile is deep, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more low-pitched and bassy sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch created by Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with every keystroke. This switch has a jelly-like sound signature, adding a unique touch to the overall experience. While these general characteristics can guide your decision-making process, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This choice of material creates a similar sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for its ability to produce sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing the top housings of these switches.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Berry and the Medium Tactile feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing on switches. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when pressing down on both switches, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound produced.

It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users may experience slight variations in sound and feel depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housings in each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for each switch are unavailable, but we can still draw some comparisons. Both switches have a bottom out force that falls within the medium-heavy range, with the Berry clocking in at 70 grams and the Medium Tactile at 65 grams. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Berry switch, allowing for longer typing periods and ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch. Overall, while the actuation forces remain unknown, it can be assumed that both switches will provide similar results in terms of their weight characteristics.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Berry offers a shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive experience, which is often preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some individuals might find more satisfying due to the perceived depth it provides. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more substantial keystroke feeling.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses will have a deep and mellow tone with a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. In terms of sound, if you are looking for a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Berry switch is a good choice, while the exact sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured or scratchy feel. This means that the switch has noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile feedback to the typist. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. This means that the switch provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a textured and scratchy feel, the Berry switch is a good option, while the Medium Tactile switch offers a more balanced and refined typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the specific sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown. The Berry switch also has a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed, while the Medium Tactile switch offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used when choosing between these switches. If you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Berry switch, the Medium Tactile switch might provide a balanced and refined alternative.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. They also have a fairly deep sound profile, described as low-pitched and bassy. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is an excellent option. It offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving you a unique typing experience. These switches have a jelly-like sound signature, although specific details about their sound profile are not provided. In terms of feel, the Berry switch has a textured sensation, while the Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for either linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more