Kailh Berry vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that are often compared are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Pine switches. The Berry switches are well-regarded for their linear feel, offering a satisfyingly springy typing experience. With a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, they provide a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Pine switches are known for their medium-heaviness and buttery smoothness. Designed for effortless typing, these switches have a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. With a translucent, forest green appearance, they offer an aesthetic appeal as well. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the differences between the two switches, let's delve deeper to help you make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. So, whether you choose the Berry or the Pine, you can expect a clear and resonant sound, as well as the option to showcase colorful lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Berry utilizes a nylon material, while the Pine sticks with polycarbonate. This difference results in distinct sound profiles. The Berry's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces its already sharp and crisp sound characteristics. The more rigid nature of polycarbonate enhances the clear and resonant sound profile of the switch.
When typing on switches with different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material come into play at different moments. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when your finger presses down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when you release the key. Therefore, while the Berry and Pine share similar traits in terms of top housing, their contrasting bottom housings result in audible differences during both the pressing and releasing of keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to determine a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is 70 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Berry. Additionally, the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is also lighter than the Berry.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. These lighter options are especially suitable for keyboards used in work settings or during extended gaming sessions. However, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those users, switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces are favored. While the specific actuation force of the Berry is unknown, its heavier bottom out force of 70 grams suggests a more forceful typing experience compared to the Pine. The Pine, with its lighter actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 58 grams, would provide a slightly lighter typing experience. Overall, depending on personal preferences, individuals can choose between a potentially heavier, more substantial typing experience with the Berry or a lighter feel with the Pine.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4 mm is the most common, while 3 mm is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Berry switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In such cases, the 4 mm travel distance of the Pine switch would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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, both the Kailh Berry and KTT Pine linear switches offer a deep and bassy sound profile during key presses. They share similar qualities in terms of being low-pitched, which gives them a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. With either switch, you can expect a rich and pleasing acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer for a textured feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery and smooth typing sensation. These switches are designed to minimize friction and provide a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The Pine switches can be described as creamy, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease.
Considering the available information, both the Kailh Berry and KTT Pine linear switches have their own subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Berry switches offer a springy feel with a chalk-like texture when typing, and produce a deep and bassy sound. On the other hand, the Pine switches provide a buttery smooth feel and a rich, low-pitched sound profile. While they have some similarities, such as being low-pitched and bassy, each switch offers a unique typing experience. Therefore, depending on your personal preference for texture and smoothness, you can choose between the Berry or Pine switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice. It offers a chalk-like texture when typing, and the sound profile is fairly deep and bassy. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine switch is the way to go. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, it minimizes friction for smooth key travel. The sound profile is also deep and bassy, and the switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
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