Kailh Berry vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Purple Click. The Berry switch stands out for its linear design, offering a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. Its sound profile is deep and low-pitched, giving a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, is categorized as clicky and is known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. Despite being light, the Purple Click switch provides a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect equilibrium. These general pointers can help guide your decision, 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

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$6.25 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the KTT Purple Click switches share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics when using either the Berry or Purple Click switches.

However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Berry switch features a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Click utilizes the same material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can anticipate subtle differences in sound and feel when bottoming out keys between the two switches.

It's worth noting that the combination of different housing materials in a switch affects the overall sound experience. In switches with separate top and bottom housings like the Berry and Purple Click, the qualities of each housing material are divided. The sound and feel upon pressing down on a key primarily reflect the characteristics of the bottom housing, while the sound upon key release is influenced more by the top housing. Understanding this distinction is important for those seeking a specific sound profile when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable, while the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Purple Click requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Berry switch. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Berry switch has a heavier force of 70 grams, whereas the Purple Click has a lighter force of 55 grams.

Considering the weight aspect, the lighter actuation force of the Purple Click switch makes it more suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, reducing the strain on the fingers and leading to more comfortable usage over extended periods. On the other hand, the Berry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, satisfying users who prefer a stronger push feel. This feature is beneficial for those who value a tactile and responsive typing experience.

In summary, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Berry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force. In contrast, the Purple Click switch offers a lighter actuation force, allowing for easier and smoother keystrokes, coupled with a medium-light bottom out force. The choice between these switches depends on individual preferences, with users seeking longer typing periods favoring the lighter Purple Click switch, while those desiring a stronger push feel opting for the heavier Berry switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of distance, the Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Purple Click is the most traditional and provides a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Berry switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can make a noticeable impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience and springy feel. When typing on the Berry switches, users will notice a chalk-like texture, which adds to the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, the Berry switches have a fairly deep sound profile, characterized by low-pitched and bassy tones. This results in a more mellow and rich sound during key presses.

On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is renowned for its satisfying high-pitched click. Despite the light keystrokes, these switches offer a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance and provides a satisfying typing sensation. The sound profile of the Purple Click switches can be described as crunchy and resonant. The crunchy sound is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, and the resonant quality adds a clean and sharp auditory experience.

Considering the subjective qualities, the Berry and Purple Click switches offer distinct experiences. The Berry switches provide a springy feel and a deeper, bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches offer a lighter keystroke with a pronounced click and a crunchy, resonant sound. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose the Berry switches for a tactile and textured experience, or the Purple Click switches for a light and satisfying click. However, keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors alongside the subjective qualities when making a decision. By understanding the qualities of these switches, users can make an informed choice to suit their individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch is a great choice. It offers a springy typing experience and a chalk-like texture when typing. The sound profile is fairly deep, with low-pitched and bassy characteristics. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click switch is the way to go. It provides a satisfying high-pitched click and light keystrokes while still offering a pronounced tactile feel. The sound profile is described as crunchy and resonant, creating an immersive auditory experience. Whether you prioritize a heavier and textured typing experience or a lighter and invigorating one, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that enhances your typing enjoyment and meets your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more