Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Ocean offer distinct typing experiences. The Berry is a linear switch, known for its hefty typing feel, springy texture, and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Ocean is a tactile switch, with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Berry switch provides a textured, low-pitched, bassy typing experience, the Ocean switch lacks any defining characteristics. When choosing between these switches, if you prefer a linear switch with a unique feel and sound, the Berry may be the way to go. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Outemu Ocean switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Berry and Ocean switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Berry utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Meanwhile, the Ocean also employs nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile.
Although both the Kailh Berry and Outemu Ocean switches share similar polycarbonate top housing, their unique bottom housing materials provide subtle differences in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Berry switch contributes to a duller and rounder sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the Ocean switch's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these variances in bottom housing, the top housing still plays a significant role in the overall sound of the switch when a key is released.
Overall, the Kailh Berry and Outemu Ocean switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of mechanical keyboards. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the differences in their nylon bottom housing result in subtle variations in sound and feel. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the Berry switch or the absorbing qualities of the Ocean switch, each housing material contributes uniquely to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of weight when typing. The Berry requires a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a lighter touch for typing, although the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press all the way down. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ocean for longer typing sessions, while others might opt for the heavier Berry for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry switch offers a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Ocean 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the Berry switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Ocean switch is not well-documented, making it difficult to directly compare. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Berry switch is described as having a textured typing experience, with a springy feel and chalk-like texture when typing on them. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Ocean switch is not available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Whether you prefer a textured typing experience or a smoother one can significantly impact your overall typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its noticeable texture, low-pitched sound profile, and springy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. While information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is lacking, it is important to consider personal preferences in sound and feel when choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user, so trying out different switches firsthand is often the most effective way to find the perfect fit.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a springy and textured typing experience that produces a deep sound profile, then the Berry switch might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer an undefined bottom out force and have no particular preferences for sound or feel, the Ocean switch could be a suitable choice. Ultimately, it is important to consider your typing style, preferences, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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