Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features for different preferences. The Berry switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture, along with a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch lacks specific standout characteristics but is noted for its silent operation. While both switches offer linear typing experiences, the Berry switch may appeal to those seeking a more tactile and audible typing experience, while the Silent Ocean switch is a suitable choice for those looking for a quieter typing option. 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Outemu Silent Ocean switches both feature polycarbonate top housings which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Berry and Silent Ocean switches differ when it comes to their nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings.
While both the Berry and Silent Ocean switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the different bottom housing materials impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities means that pressing down on a switch will emphasize the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction is important to consider for individuals who prioritize either the feel of pressing down on a key or the sound when releasing it.
In summary, the Berry and Silent Ocean switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the differentiation lies in the bottom housing material, with the Berry featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Ocean also using nylon for a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes the sound on key press or release, as well as the overall feel of typing on the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Silent Ocean switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified, while the Silent Ocean switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Ocean switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Berry switch. In terms of weight, the Silent Ocean switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Berry switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Silent Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial actuation. Both switches have their own advantages based on the user's preferences, with the Berry switch offering rapid responsiveness and the Silent Ocean switch offering a more pronounced key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed or depth in their 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 Silent 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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, which create a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specified sound description available, so it is difficult to directly compare the sound qualities of the two switches. However, 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 the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not provided. Without a direct comparison, it is challenging to determine how the feel of these two switches differs.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a deep and bassy sound profile along with a textured typing experience, there is limited information available on the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. As such, it is recommended to try out both switches in person or consult additional resources for a more comprehensive comparison of their subjective qualities. Due to the lack of information on the Silent Ocean switch, it is possible that you may achieve similar results with both switches in terms of sound and feel, but individual preferences and personal testing will ultimately determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a springy and chalk-like texture with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a bottom out force of 65 grams and a silent key press, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
Mentioned in this article
