Kailh Berry vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Berry switch is well-known for its hefty typing experience, characterized by a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture. In terms of sound, its profile is fairly deep, giving off a textured, low-pitched, and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a more subdued experience, with an easy-to-push action and a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Both its type feel and sound profile are incredibly soft, lending it a neutral, mild, thocky, and polished categorization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$6.25 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Berry has a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Meteor White's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material is relatively stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition and ability to absorb more sound. Therefore, while the Berry produces a sharper sound, the Meteor White offers a deeper and rounder sound experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing of the Berry makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing switch. On the other hand, the Meteor White's nylon top housing offers a classic switch housing material that may not have the same level of transparency. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Berry would be a more suitable choice. However, if visual transparency is not a concern, the Meteor White's nylon top housing still provides a solid and durable housing material option.

When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Berry and the Meteor White feature nylon as their material of choice. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic alternatives. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both the Berry and the Meteor White deliver a similar experience in terms of their typing sound profiles due to the shared nylon composition.

Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and SP-Star Meteor White switches have differing properties that influence their sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, the Meteor White's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar typing sound profile. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic requirements.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry switch has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the Meteor White. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch requires 70 grams of force, which can be considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Meteor White switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light.

Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for typing or gaming for extended periods without fatigue. This makes it suitable for those who frequently bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who appreciate a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, and for them, choosing a switch with a heavier force is preferable.

While the actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable, it is likely that it falls within a similar range as the Meteor White switch, given that both are linear switches. Linear switches typically have comparable actuation forces. However, the bottom out force of the Berry switch is noticeably heavier than that of the Meteor White switch. This means that the Berry switch will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a higher level of resistance. In contrast, the Meteor White switch offers a lighter bottom out force, ensuring a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Berry switch being the heavier option and the Meteor White switch being the lighter option.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Meteor White switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The 4 mm travel distance of the Meteor White switch is considered more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Berry switch is slightly shallower, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and whether one prioritizes a shorter travel distance for quick inputs or a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it's a matter of personal preference to determine which one suits your needs best.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its deep and bass-heavy tone. It has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a mellow and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It produces a gentle and pitter-patter sound, but it also has a thocky characteristic, meaning it has a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a springy and textured typing experience. This means that when you press the keys, you will feel some friction, which can be preferred by certain users. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished feel. It provides a more gentle typing experience without noticeable friction, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Berry has a springy and textured feel, along with a deep and bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor White is easy to push with a polished feel, and it produces a more gentle and pitter-patter sound with a touch of thockiness. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. Additionally, the sound profile of the Berry switch is low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. However, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it provides a medium-light typing experience. The Meteor White switch has a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, offering a more gentle and relaxed sound. In terms of feel, the Berry switch has a textured feel, while the Meteor White switch has a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preference for typing force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more