Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two excellent options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Quinn. These switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Berry is best known for its linear switch design, providing a hefty and springy typing experience. With a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, it offers a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a combination of crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Notably, the Quinn switches also deliver a precise and clean tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Quinn, one noticeable difference is in their top housings. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
Moving on to their bottom housings, both the Berry and the Quinn feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for elicitng a deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic of nylon, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the sound profile of both switches when typing will be quite similar, with a deeper and fuller tone.
Regarding the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings will affect different aspects. The bottom housing of the switch, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the housing material of the bottom will determine the sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a pressed key. Therefore, while the materials differ between the Berry and the Quinn, their impact on the typing experience will vary in terms of bottom-out and release sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Berry's exact grams are unavailable, while the Quinn requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Although the precise value for the Berry is unknown, it can be assumed to be similar to the Quinn's due to them both being medium-heavy switches.
Moving on to bottom out force, the Berry requires 70 grams of force, making it slightly heavier than the Quinn which requires 67 grams. This slight difference might result in a slightly more substantial typing experience for users preferring a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter option to type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. In this case, the lighter actuation force of the Quinn provides an advantage. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for heavier forces, and both the Berry and Quinn cater to such preferences with their medium-heavy bottom out forces.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer similar actuation forces (assuming the Berry is similar to the Quinn) and medium-heavy bottom out forces. While the Berry is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, the Quinn provides a lighter actuation force option for those seeking a longer typing or gaming duration. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the Berry has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both options fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The Berry is the longer option, providing a bit more depth to the keypress, while the Quinn offers a slightly shallower feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a more responsive feel or a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. The sound profile of the Berry switches is described as fairly deep, featuring a low-pitched and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke on the Quinn switches, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The tactile bump on the Quinn switches is precise, clean, and crisp. In terms of sound comparison, both switches have a low-pitched and bassy profile, so users can expect similar results in that aspect. However, the Quinn switch also has an additional clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharper and more immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Berry linear switch is described as having a textured or scratchy feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a range of descriptors for feel. It is described as snappy, indicating super responsiveness and a lively typing experience. The Quinn switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. While the Berry switch only has a textured feel, the Quinn switch offers a combination of features including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented (medium tactile), buttery (smooth and fluid keystroke), and creamy (silky sensation).
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and textured sensation. It has a fairly deep sound profile with low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile. It provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. The Quinn switch also offers a range of feel descriptors, including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Both switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, but the Quinn switch offers additional clacky and resonant qualities. Depending on the user's preference for feel and sound, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a good choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that can add some weight to your typing. The Berry switches have a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture when typing on them, giving them a unique tactile experience. In terms of sound, the Berry switches are described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn switches provide a medium-heavy feel similar to the Berry switches. The Quinn switches have a specially designed nylon housing that contributes to their unique sound profile, offering a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke. The tactile bump of the Quinn switches is precise, clean, and crisp, giving you an enhanced typing experience.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a bassy sound profile, but the Quinn switches also have a clacky and resonant sound, adding a touch of brightness and sharpness to the typing experience. In terms of feel, the Berry switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, indicating a switch with a smooth and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a springy feel and a deep, bass-heavy sound, the Berry switch is a good option. On the other hand, if you value a tactile switch with a crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn switch would be more suitable. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and desired sound profile.
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