Kailh Berry vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options worth considering. The Berry switches are known for their hefty typing experience, featuring a springy feel and a chalk-like texture during typing. Additionally, they produce a deep sound which adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches stand out for their innovation, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. These switches offer a silky smooth type feel without feeling over-polished. The Semi-Silent Linear switches are categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, whereas the Berry switches are described as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. However, let's dive deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have several similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add some visual flair to their keyboard. Additionally, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
However, there are also slight differences between the two switches in terms of their housing materials. While both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the specific qualities of the sound produced might vary slightly due to other design factors. The same applies to the nylon bottom housing - while both switches share the characteristic of a deeper and fuller sound, the overall sound profile might have nuanced differences based on other construction aspects.
The allocation of the housing materials also plays a role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key, affecting the overall sound profile during key releases.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer similar sound profiles due to their shared housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. While there may be subtle differences in sound due to other design factors, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of materials in the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, some differences and similarities become evident. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the grams required for the Berry and Semi-Silent Linear switches are unavailable, making a direct comparison impossible. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, indicating that the force required to trigger a keystroke is likely to be relatively similar.
Moving on to the bottom out force, we can gather more concrete information. The Kailh Berry linear switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that typing on the Berry switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, with a slightly heavier push feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. This suggests that typing on the Semi-Silent Linear switch will feel slightly lighter compared to the Berry switch.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, which allows for longer typing sessions, might lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. This switch's lower bottom out force makes it ideal for those who require extended typing periods, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel while typing, the Kailh Berry linear switch might be a more suitable choice. The medium-heavy bottom out force of the Berry switch offers a more robust and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch are unknown, they are likely to be similar due to both switches falling into the medium actuation force category. However, when considering the bottom out force, the Berry switch is heavier with a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is lighter with a bottom out force of 62 grams. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience will determine which switch is more suitable for individual users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the difference may seem small, it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is more shallow. However, both the Berry and Semi-Silent Linear switches fall within the shorter travel distance range. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm in the Berry switch would be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the 3.7 mm of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Berry switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound. While it is not completely silent, it offers a dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It has a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Berry switch provides a hefty typing experience with a springy and textured feel. It has noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. It is gentle to type on, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. It has a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch can be described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To summarize, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a textured feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound and offers a mild, snappy, and buttery typing experience. While they have different qualities, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience and a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing feel. The Berry switch is best known for its springy type feel and chalk-like texture when typing on it. It also offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which adds a mellow and rich tone to your typing experience. Additionally, the Berry switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a semi-silent sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium typing feel. This innovative switch has a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It is best known for its type feel that is silky smooth but not over-polished. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. It is also categorized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier and more textured typing experience with a deeper sound, the Berry switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs.
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