Kailh Berry vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Berry switches are widely known for their hefty typing experience, providing a satisfying springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typed upon. Their sound profile is also fairly deep, giving a unique audio experience categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns can be described with one word: subtlety. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the MX Browns offer a more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound to typing. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Brown employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when it comes to sound, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant experience, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Berry and the MX Brown utilize nylon as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being softer than harder plastics, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound, there is no significant difference between the Berry and MX Brown's nylon bottom housings. Both materials contribute to a similar deeper and fuller sound experience, offering a consistent auditory quality when typing.
It is important to note that if a switch features different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the sound and feel of the key's bottom-out, while the top housing will influence the sound produced when letting go of a key. This means that the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Brown switches may exhibit slightly varying sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the distribution of their housing materials between the top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Kailh Berry has an undisclosed actuation force, while the MX Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the MX Brown lighter and potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which gives it a medium-heavy feel during typing. On the other hand, the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter and providing a medium-light typing experience. Overall, those seeking a more substantial push feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Berry, while those desiring a lighter touch may gravitate towards the MX Brown. Nonetheless, if both the actuation and bottom out forces are the same, users can expect similar results regardless of the switch they choose.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry switch.
The 4.0mm travel distance of the MX Brown switch is considered the more traditional option, providing a moderate amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Berry switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making it suitable for gaming purposes.
If you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the Berry switch with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice for you. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial depth and a tactile feedback during typing, the MX Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more preferable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Brown 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches offer a similar deep and bass-heavy sound profile. This means that both switches produce a rich and mellow tone during key presses with a lower frequency range, akin to bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Berry and MX Brown switches share similar sound characteristics, the overall sound experience may vary depending on the setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Berry and MX Brown feature a textured experience. This means that when typing on these switches, users will notice a noticeable friction or texture when pressing the keys. Some users appreciate this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Both switches cater to those who enjoy a tactile response while typing, with the Berry switch offering a hefty and springy type feel, and the MX Brown providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility.
In conclusion, the sound profiles of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch exhibit similarities, as both switches offer a deep, rich, and bass-heavy tone during key presses. Similarly, the feel of these switches is also comparable, with both featuring a textured experience that adds tactile feedback to each keystroke. However, it's essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, both the Berry and MX Brown switches cater to individuals seeking a tactile typing experience, but the specific preferences and overall typing feel may differ based on personal preference and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a springy and robust feel while typing, and the chalk-like texture adds to the overall typing experience. The Berry switch also offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which can be pleasing to the ears.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a gentle tactility that doesn't compromise on comfort. The MX Brown switch also provides a textured feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
Both switches have a bassy sound profile, which adds depth and richness to the typing experience. Additionally, both switches offer a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier and more springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Berry switch is a great choice. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and a textured feel, the MX Brown switch is the way to go. Consider your preferred typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
