Kailh Berry vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switches are known for their hefty typing experience, with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture for added tactile feedback. Additionally, their sound profile is fairly deep, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons offer a different kind of linear switch experience. These switches boast a buttery smooth typing experience due to their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. With a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral, mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemons provide a more subtle typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, making it important to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which switch would be the best fit for your keyboard needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$6.25 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material brings similar benefits to both switches. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially advantageous for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for an aesthetically pleasing effect. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either the Berry or the Sea Salt Lemon.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Berry and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality of the nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced and the tactile feedback when using either the Berry or the Sea Salt Lemon.

While both switches share similarities in terms of their housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities associated with each material are divided between the top and bottom housing of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the user will mainly feel the impact and experience the sound produced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. It's these subtle differences in the distribution of housing materials that may give the Berry and the Sea Salt Lemon their own unique feel and sound signatures, despite sharing the same polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences worth considering. In terms of actuation force, the Berry's specific value is unknown, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon requires 45 grams of force for actuation. This suggests that the Sea Salt Lemon switch is lighter and may be favored by users looking for a more effortless typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Berry requires 70 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the Berry switch provides a heavier and more substantial typing feel when fully pressing down.

For those seeking a lighter switch to type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the preferred option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Berry switch with its slightly higher bottom out force. Although their actuation forces differ, both switches offer medium-weight keystrokes, meaning users can expect similar results in terms of actuation feedback and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differ slightly. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the acceptable range. The Berry is on the shallower side with its 3.6 mm travel distance, while the Sea Salt Lemon falls closer to the most common 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Berry. Additionally, shorter travel distances have become popular in recent times. However, those who appreciate a deeper key press might lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best described as low-pitched and bassy. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also low-pitched, but it is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a textured or scratchy feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as mild. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture. It produces a fairly deep, low-pitched, and bassy sound. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and dry-lube design. It has a mild feel and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. While both switches have their own unique qualities, if you're looking for a typing experience with a similar feel and sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch can provide a buttery smooth experience comparable to the Kailh Berry switch.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are someone who prefers a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving them a solid and substantial feel. Additionally, the low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds a deep and rich tone to your typing experience.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a gentler typing feel. The progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to the smoothness of the switch, making it a pleasure to type on. The neutral sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your keystrokes.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier and more textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is the better option. Consider your desired typing feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

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KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more