Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that they both offer unique qualities to consider. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture while typing, resulting in a deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, bassy. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch does not have any standout features mentioned in the provided information. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Berry switch for its tactile feedback and distinctive sound profile, or opt for the Black switch for a more understated typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Black switches have some striking similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Kailh Berry features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Kailh Berry and Outemu Black switches demonstrates how the qualities of each material impact the overall typing experience. While the top housing contributes to the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of housing material selection in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh Berry linear switch has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Outemu Black switch, which has an actuation force of 65 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Berry requires 70 grams, while the Outemu Black switch demands a higher 82 grams. This indicates that the Outemu Black switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch might lean towards the Kailh Berry switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience might opt for the Outemu Black switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Berry linear switch. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Berry switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferable choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Black switch provides a more traditional and deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance and the 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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 known for its low-pitched and bassy tones, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured feel, offering users a tactile experience with noticeable friction when typing. This texture can add a unique sensation to typing and may be preferred by some users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is not described, making it challenging to compare the two in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its springy and chalk-like typing experience, along with its deep sound profile and textured feel. While the qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch are not fully defined in terms of sound and feel, it is possible to infer that the Berry switch may provide a more distinct and tactile typing experience based on the available information. It is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as personal typing style, keyboard build, and keycap choices when selecting a switch that suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of smooth key actuation and linear feedback, but the Berry switch may provide a more unique and satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Outemu Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture, along with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Kailh Berry switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are less concerned with sound and feel characteristics, then the Outemu Black switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and prioritize what aspects are most important to you when making your decision between these two linear switches.
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