Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry is known for its linear design, providing a smooth typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold offers a clicky typing experience with no specific standout features. The Kailh Berry switch boasts a sound profile that is textured, low-pitched, and bassy, while the Outemu Gold does not have any distinctive sound characteristics. Depending on your preference for a linear or clicky typing feel, you may choose between these switches. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and Outemu Gold switches, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Berry featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. However, the switch experience may vary based on the distribution of these housing materials within each switch.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top housing of the Kailh Berry and Outemu Gold switches creates a distinct sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in clear and resonant typing feedback. This similarity allows for a consistent auditory experience regardless of the switch chosen. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This shared characteristic ensures a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound quality, regardless of the switch selected.
While the top housing material remains consistent in both the Kailh Berry and Outemu Gold switches, the differences in the bottom housing materials influence the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how these housing materials interact with each other allows users to appreciate the nuanced differences in typing experience offered by each switch, despite their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch differ significantly. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium category. The actuation force of the Gold is 45 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Berry is unknown. In terms of weight, the Gold is lighter than the Berry, which may appeal to those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Berry offers a heavier push feel, which some may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which is 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches. The Berry's shorter travel distance might be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold's longer travel distance could provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy tones, providing a deep and mellow sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is lacking in available sound descriptions, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Berry linear switch offers a textured typing experience, with a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may find appealing. In contrast, information on the feel of the Gold clicky switch is not provided, making it challenging to assess its tactile qualities. For those seeking a more tactile typing experience, the textured feel of the Berry switch may be a preferred choice.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its springy and textured feel, as well as its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch are not clearly outlined, it is important for newcomers to consider their preferences for sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in typing experience, but differences in sound and feel may cater to different individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy and chalk-like texture while typing, with a deep sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, then the Berry switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a clicky switch without specific sound or feel preferences, then the Gold switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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