Kailh Berry vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Berry switches are best known for their linear design, providing a hefty and springy typing experience. They offer a textured and low-pitched sound profile, with a deep and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium tactile feel, giving users a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Despite their medium tactility, they produce a buttery and mild sound, with a stepped and subtle profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and TTC Silent Bluish White switches both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
Where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Berry uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White also uses a nylon bottom housing, so both switches share this characteristic of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon.
When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be more noticeable in the overall typing experience of both switches. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater impact.
In summary, the Kailh Berry and TTC Silent Bluish White switches have similar top housings, both using polycarbonate for its sound-enhancing and visually appealing qualities. However, their bottom housings differ, with both utilizing softer nylon material for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nevertheless, the impact of the bottom housing will be more prominent during typing, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch are quite different. The Berry switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it lighter, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also lighter compared to the Berry switch.
Considering weight is essential for different typing preferences. Those who prefer lighter switches tend to enjoy extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. For a more substantial typing experience, people often prefer switches with a stronger push feel and heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the Kailh Berry switch does not provide any information. However, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to bottom out force, the Berry switch is heavier with 70 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White switch's 50 grams.
Overall, if a lighter switch is desired for longer typing sessions, the TTC Silent Bluish White would be a suitable option with its lighter actuation and bottom out force. However, if a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Kailh Berry switch's heavier bottom out force would provide that extra push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switches are known for their hefty typing experience and springy feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback to the user. When typing on the Berry switches, there is a chalk-like texture that enhances the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, the Berry switches have a fairly deep and bassy profile, offering a more mellow and rich tone during key presses.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches provide a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance. These switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience, making them ideal for users who prefer a tactile feedback without being too loud. The Silent Bluish White switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Berry switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of the keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Berry switches have a textured or scratchy feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making them suitable for users who prefer a more gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches provide a springy and textured typing experience with a deeper and bassier sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience with a muted and quieter sound. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. It is also worth noting that if a user is seeking similar results in terms of feel or sound, they may find the Silent Bluish Whites to provide a similar experience to the Kailh Berrys.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile, the Berry linear switch with its 70 gram bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of resistance and a quiet sound profile, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch with its 50 gram bottom out force is an excellent choice. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch's design makes it ideal for office or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is important. Consider your desired sound and feel, as well as their suitability for your environment, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
