Kailh Berry vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches. The Kailh Berry switch is known for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture while offering a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic feel of the MX Red switch but operates silently, providing a quieter typing experience categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'. Each switch has its own strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch housings both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switch. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound, while the nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, and nylon providing a classic switch housing option.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound that adds to the overall typing experience. While the differences in top and bottom housing may impact the overall sound profile of the switch, both housings contribute to the overall feel and sound when typing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings will be apparent when pressing down on the switch and letting go of a key.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch housings will come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile desired. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Berry's polycarbonate delivering a sharper tone and the MX Silent Red's nylon providing a deeper sound. Whether looking for a switch with a crisp, higher-pitched sound or a switch with a fuller, rounder tone, both options provide quality housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Berry switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to register a keystroke, while the MX Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the MX Silent Red switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Berry switch has a force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red switch is unknown. The Berry switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch with its lighter actuation force may be more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Berry switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Berry switch to feel too abrupt, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red switch for a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is designed to be muted and thocky, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, with a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. While the Berry switch has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the MX Silent Red switch aims to minimize noise and create a noise-sensitive environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, with the Berry offering a deeper sound and the MX Silent Red ensuring a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch are described as textured switches, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can vary in preference among users, with some enjoying the subtle texture for added feedback, while others might prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. The similar textured feel of both switches offers consistent feedback and tactility during typing, ensuring a satisfying and tactile typing experience for users who appreciate a bit of resistance in their key presses.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch offers a deep and bassy sound profile with a textured feel, while the MX Silent Red switch provides a quiet and thocky sound with a similar textured feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a deeper sound profile or a quieter typing experience, you can choose between the Berry for a more substantial sound or the MX Silent Red for a noise-sensitive environment. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their textured feel, ensuring consistent feedback and tactility for users. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference in sound and feel when selecting between the two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you enjoy a more springy and textured typing feel with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar typing experience but with significantly quieter sound output, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is the way to go, especially in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for typing feedback and noise level. Happy typing!
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