Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Berry switch is recognized for its hefty and springy feel, along with a chalk-like texture while typing, resulting in a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Those looking for a satisfying and silent typing experience may lean towards the Silent Grey switch, while those desiring a springy and textured feel may prefer the Berry switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent Grey switches lies in their bottom housing material. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Grey. This results in a more muted sound profile for the Silent Grey, contrasting with the sharper sound of the Berry.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that are transparent, making them ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for the illumination of the switches, creating a visually striking effect when used with RGB setups. However, despite their similar top housing material, the nylon bottom housing of the Berry provides a different tactile feel and sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. This highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent Grey switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer a high-pitched and crisp sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate top housing, the Berry's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether one prefers a sharper or a rounder sound profile, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Grey switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams. When it comes to actuation force, the Silent Grey switch requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Berry switch does not have a specified actuation force. In terms of weight, the Silent Grey switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Berry switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Grey switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Berry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Berry has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. While both still fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Berry offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. This makes it a popular choice among gamers who value fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. In the end, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey 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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile that is low-pitched and bassy. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. The sound profile of the Silent Grey switches is not described in the provided information. When it comes to feel, the Berry switch is noted for its textured nature, providing noticeable friction when pressed. The feel of the Silent Grey switch is not described in the available information. Overall, while the Berry switch offers a unique typing experience with its textured feel and deep sound profile, the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying results, with the Berry switch providing a more textured and springy typing experience, while the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy and deep-sounding switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile and texture while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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