Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When comparing the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click of other switch types. The Berry stands out for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, chalk-like texture, and deep sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Silver lacks specific standout features but provides a straightforward linear switch experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonant properties. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing, it is important to note that the Berry and Silver may vary in terms of their overall typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silver both feature nylon as their material of choice. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, the Berry and Silver switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as the stem design or actuation force.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall feel and sound of a switch, it is important to recognize that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are more pronounced when typing on a switch, while the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key. While both the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Silver may share similarities in their housing materials, the overall typing experience and sound profile will be influenced by a combination of factors beyond just the housing material.

Weight

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Berry switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light compared to the Silver switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Berry switch requires 70 grams of force, while the Silver switch requires 65 grams, making the Berry slightly heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Berry switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more tactile typing feel may lean towards the Silver switch for its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the main difference lying in the actuation force required for each keystroke.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silver having a more standard distance compared to the Berry. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Berry's shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience, with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when keying in. This switch also produces a fairly deep sound profile, characterized by low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific subjective qualities mentioned for sound or feel. When comparing the two switches, it can be inferred that the Berry switch may provide a more tactile and pronounced typing experience with a deeper sound profile. However, without specific details on the Silver switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of feel and sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference and individual typing habits. If the Silver switch is similar to the Berry switch in terms of sound and feel, one can expect to get comparable results with either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Berry switch may be the best choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a low-pitched and bassy sound profile along with a textured feel when typing, the Berry switch may be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are not particularly concerned about sound characteristics or feel, the Silver switch could be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. So, take your time to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

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