Kailh Berry vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Kailh Sage offer two distinct experiences for users. The Berry, a linear switch, is best known for its hefty typing experience. With a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture, it provides a satisfying and tactile typing experience. It also has a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Sage, a clicky switch, offers a distinct and invigorating clicky typing experience. With a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its sound profile is characterized as sharp and crunchy. Both switches have their merits and drawbacks, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and Kailh Sage switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through and enhance the visual experience. Both switches offer these qualities, making them suitable for users seeking a clear and resonant sound profile with vibrant lighting effects.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Kailh Berry and Kailh Sage switches differ, with the Berry featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This can provide a unique typing experience, particularly for users who prefer a softer and less harsh sound while using their keyboards.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Berry and Sage switches differ, the impact they have on the overall switch experience is split. The bottom housing mainly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of switch sound and feel, as both switches utilize materials that enhance the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper and crisper sound of the Berry's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the Sage's nylon bottom housing will depend on individual preferences for keyboard acoustics.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, they both have a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a similar amount of resistance when pressing down fully.

Regarding weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows them to type for longer periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, others prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, if you prefer a lighter feel, it is not possible to determine which switch is lighter as the actuation forces are unspecified. However, if you prefer a heavier feel, both the Berry and the Sage switches can provide a similar experience with their medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will give users a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance refers to the distance a switch travels from the top to the bottom, and in this case, both the Berry and Sage switches have an equal 3.6 mm travel distance. Therefore, users can expect consistent feedback and comfort irrespective of whether they choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a crunchy sound profile. Clicky switches, like the Sage, produce a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board used and the keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a textured typing experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing these switches. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others enjoy a smoother, friction-free typing feel. As for the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it offers an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation. These switches have pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a distinctive sensation with each key press.

Taking all this information into consideration, if you're looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience and a springy feel, along with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch would be the way to go. Keep in mind that both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. It's important to consider personal preference and the overall typing experience you're seeking when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Berry switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. It has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which provides a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Sage switch provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. It has an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for a linear or clicky typing experience, as well as your preference for a textured or invigorating feel. Whether you prioritize the sound profile or the typing feel, both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

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