Kailh Berry vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer different typing experiences are the Kailh Berry and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Berry switch is known for its linear design, providing a hefty and springy typing experience. With a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, this switch offers a textured and bassy typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that stands out with its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, offering a rare and premium typing experience. This switch features a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets it apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks provide a distinctive and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Kailh Berry and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a PBT top housing, which offers a more neutral sound profile. It may not be as crisp as the Berry, but it also avoids being dull.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Berry features a nylon material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes PBT for its bottom housing as well, offering a similar neutral sound profile as its top housing.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, the impact they have on the overall sound profile reflects their respective properties. Pressing down on the Berry switch will emphasize the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the impact of the PBT bottom housing in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will be noticeable during bottom-out, providing a more consistent, neutral sound. When releasing a key, the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing in the Berry will contribute to the sound, while the PBT top housing in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will have a milder impact. Overall, although there are differences in sound profile between the two switches, both can deliver satisfactory results depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Moyu Black requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch has a heavier force of 70 grams, compared to the Moyu Black's bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Berry switch slightly heavier when bottoming out.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, especially for those using the keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. For these individuals, the Moyu Black would be a suitable choice with its lighter actuation force. However, there are others who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel. These individuals may opt for options with heavier forces, such as the Berry switch.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch differ slightly. The Moyu Black requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke while the Berry switch is slightly heavier when bottoming out. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we find that the Berry has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. If you prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Berry switch may be more appealing to you, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with more depth to the key press, the Moyu Black with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either responsiveness or a deeper key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 deep and fairly low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile. This gives the switches a clean, sharp, and immersive auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the Berry switches would be a good choice, while if you prefer a cleaner and sharper sound, the Moyu Black switches would suit you better.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a springy and hefty typing experience. The switches have a chalk-like texture when typing on them, which provides some noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is described as having a sharp and accented tactile feel. These switches feature a strong tactile bump during the downstroke, but what sets them apart is an even sharper and stronger bump during the upstroke, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Black switches are not scratchy but provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. If you prefer a textured and springy feel, the Berry switches would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and more accented tactile feel, the Moyu Black switches would be a better fit.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches provide a deeper and bass-heavy sound profile, along with a textured and hefty typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switches offer a sharper and resonant sound profile, along with an accented and strong tactile feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between these options to find the desired typing experience. However, it's important to acknowledge that individual preferences may vary, so it is recommended to try out different switches before making a final decision. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prefer a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, then the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and offer a fairly deep sound profile. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique and premium typing experience with a sharp tactile feel, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be the better option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks also produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound during key presses. Overall, both switches offer distinct and impactful typing experiences, so the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference.