Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique features for users to consider. The Kailh Berry is a linear switch known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture while typing. It produces a sound profile that is deep and falls under the categories of 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is also a linear switch but is distinguished by its quiet operation. While the Silent White switch does not have any specific notable features listed, its silent nature may be appealing to users looking for a more discreet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent White switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which gives them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. The similarities in their top housing material mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent White switches provides a different typing experience. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches will elicit a similar typing experience due to their common use of nylon, allowing users to enjoy a deep and satisfying sound when typing.
When using switches with different top and bottom housing materials, such as the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silent White, it's important to note that each housing material contributes unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. By combining materials like polycarbonate and nylon in their housing design, these switches are able to offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch have different specifications when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Silent White has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The actuation force of the Berry is unknown, while the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent White switch for its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Berry switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Berry has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Berry's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar linear feel but with a slight difference in 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 White 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 tones, providing a deep and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have any specific sound characteristics listed, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound profile. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is recognized for its textured feel, offering a springy and chalk-like typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Conversely, there are no specific feel characteristics listed for the Outemu Silent White linear switch, making it challenging to directly contrast the two in terms of typing feel. However, it is worth noting that the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its distinctive low-pitched and bassy sound profile, as well as its textured typing feel. While the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and additional factors such as keyboard configuration when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of typing performance, with the choice ultimately coming down to individual preferences and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should choose the Berry if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and deep sound profile. The Berry switch also offers a textured typing experience, which some users may find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Silent White switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should come down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile.
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