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Kailh Berry vs. KTT Orange

An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available. Two popular choices, the Kailh Berry and the KTT Orange, both offer a linear typing experience that many enthusiasts prefer. The Berry is best known for its hefty typing experience, characterized by a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture. Its sound profile is fairly deep and categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy type feel due to their 22mm long spring. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, the Orange switch provides a slick and frictionless typing experience. The sound profile of the Orange is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

46g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

53g

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the KTT Orange switches share a common feature in their polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. With their translucent nature, both switches are ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows for better light transmission. Aesthetically, they provide a clear and resonant sound quality due to polycarbonate's stiffness. However, it is important to note that the polycarbonate top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key.

On the other hand, the differences arise when we compare the bottom housing materials. The Berry switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. In contrast, the Orange switch employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of polycarbonate material. Ultimately, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when pressing down on the switch.

In conclusion, while both the Kailh Berry and the KTT Orange switches feature polycarbonate top housing for its desirable sound properties and compatibility with RGB lighting, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing materials. The Berry switch with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange with its polycarbonate bottom housing preserves a sharper and crisper sound profile. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound and tactile feel, the choice between these switches may vary.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, several differences and similarities become apparent. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Berry switch's specific gram measurement is unavailable, while the Orange switch requires a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Orange switch will provide a more sensitive and quick typing experience, as less pressure is needed to register a keystroke.

On the other hand, when considering the bottom out force, the Berry switch requires a heavier force of 70 grams, whereas the Orange switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This implies that the Berry switch will offer a more substantial and firm typing experience, as more force is needed to press the keys all the way down.

Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, is an important aspect to consider when selecting a switch. For those who prefer a lighter switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, the KTT Orange linear switch would be the ideal choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be the suitable option with its higher actuation and bottom out forces.

In summary, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, providing a more sensitive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the KTT Orange switch may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a deeper key press may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kailh Berry switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch are described as low-pitched, which means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Berry switches are also described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Orange switches, on the other hand, have a low-pitched sound without the additional depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Berry linear switch is described as having a textured or scratchy feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which can be preferred by some users. The Orange linear switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy and frictionless. The keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed, and the switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.

Considering all the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch offers a springy and chalk-like texture when typing, with a fairly deep and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a slick and frictionless typing experience, with a bouncy feel and a low-pitched sound. If you are looking for a typing experience with more friction and a deeper sound, the Berry switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a smoother and more spring-like feel with a lower-pitched sound, the Orange switch would suit your preferences. Overall, it's important to consider personal preferences and usage scenarios when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier typing experience and a springy feel with a chalk-like texture, then the Berry switch would be a good choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper, bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, the Berry switch would also be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bouncy and frictionless feel, then the Orange switch would be more appropriate. The Orange switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Berry switch. Ultimately, it's important to consider your typing preferences in terms of force, texture, and sound when making a decision between these two switches.

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