Kailh Berry vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Black, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switches are known for their hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. They also produce a fairly deep sound, giving a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the MX Black switches from Cherry have been further perfected with their Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness. Users will also experience a familiar deep sound when typing on them. The MX Black switches have a slightly stiffer feel compared to the Berry switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typist needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Black switches are quite distinct from each other. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Black features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Berry switch will provide a more precise and vibrant sound, while the MX Black switch will offer a deeper and more mellow sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Berry switch is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. This transparency allows the lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual experience of the keyboard. On the other hand, the MX Black switch does not offer this benefit. With its nylon top housing, the focus is more on the sound and tactile feel rather than visual appeal. Therefore, the Berry switch merges both functionality and visual pleasure, while the MX Black switch prioritizes sound and typing experience over aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Berry and the MX Black utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Hence, the sound produced by the bottom housing of both switches will exhibit similar characteristics. However, the impact of the bottom housing will be more evident during the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down.
Overall, while the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Black switches share a similar bottom housing material, their top housing materials significantly differentiate them in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those seeking a precise and vibrant typing experience, while the MX Black's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who prefer a more mellow and rounded audio feedback. Consequently, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The actuation force for the Berry switch is unavailable, while the MX Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the MX Black has a slightly lighter actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, we find that the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This indicates that when fully pressed, the MX Black switch requires more force compared to the Berry switch.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows them to comfortably continue for longer periods of time. For this specific requirement, the MX Black switch may be a better choice due to its slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. These individuals would likely prefer the Berry switch, as it has a heavier bottom out force compared to the MX Black.
In summary, the actuation force of the MX Black switch is lighter than that of the Berry switch. However, the bottom out force is heavier for the MX Black switch. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, one can choose the switch that suits their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which has become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Berry would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the MX Black's longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial sensation when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer a deep and low-pitched sound profile. However, the Berry switch is also described as having a bassy and mellow tone, while the MX Black only mentions the low-pitched characteristic. So, while the overall sound experience may be similar, the Berry switch might have a slightly deeper and richer sound due to its bassy nature. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Berry switch and the MX Black switch are described as having a textured surface. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users might prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is also mentioned to be stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. The Berry switch, however, does not mention any specific stiffness characteristic. Overall, both switches provide a tactile feedback through their texture, but the MX Black switch requires more force to use.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a classic textured smoothness. Both switches have a deep sound profile, although the Berry switch is described as having a bassy and mellow tone. The MX Black switch is also mentioned to be stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. If you are looking for a linear switch with a more textured and smoother feel, the MX Black might be a better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a springy typing experience and a potentially deeper sound, the Berry switch could be an interesting option. As always, it's important to consider personal preferences and try out different switches to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who prefers a slightly lighter typing experience and enjoys a springy feel with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch might be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and provide a deep sound profile that is both low-pitched and bassy. Additionally, if you appreciate a textured typing experience, the Berry switch delivers noticeable friction when pressed.
On the other hand, if you desire a heavier typing experience and enjoy a familiar deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch might be more suitable for you. These switches have a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams and feature Cherry's Hyperglide tooling for a classic textured smoothness. The sound profile of the MX Black is low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. Furthermore, if you prefer a stiffer typing feel that requires more force to actuate and bottom out, the MX Black switch offers that.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Black switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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