Kailh Berry vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Silent Brown. The Berry switches, being linear switches, are best known for their hefty typing experience and springy type feel. They offer a textured sensation while typing and emit a fairly deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches, being tactile switches, provide a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively. Therefore, both the Berry and the Silent Brown provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Berry incorporates a nylon housing, while the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon. Typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the way it affects the overall sound and feel may differ slightly due to other factors such as spring weight or switch design. Nonetheless, both the Berry and the Silent Brown can be expected to provide a similar depth and richness to their sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of the overall impact on the switch, the top and bottom housings will have different influences. While the bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom of a switch can have varying effects on the overall typing experience. However, since both the Berry and the Silent Brown share the same polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a similar sound release when using either switch. In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the differences between the two switches may be more apparent due to the nylon bottom housing of the Berry and the Silent Brown.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Comparatively, the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy for their bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing experience. However, the Silent Brown requires a lighter actuation force than the Berry switch. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience for the Silent Brown switch, making it favorable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In the realm of switch travel distances, the variation between these two switches is relatively small. However, for those who prioritize quicker response times, the Berry's shorter travel distance may be preferable. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances in order to achieve faster reaction speeds. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Silent Brown might be more suitable with its slightly longer travel distance. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as some may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, while others appreciate the added depth and tactility provided by longer travel distances. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch should be based on individual preferences and desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 offers a typing experience that is best described as springy and hefty. When typing on these switches, users will notice a chalk-like texture, providing additional friction during key presses. In terms of sound, the Berry switches have a fairly deep and low-pitched profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This gives the keystrokes a rich and resonant sound, similar to bass tones. Overall, the Berry switches provide a tactile and audibly satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a different typing experience. These switches have a light-medium level of resistance, providing comfortable key presses. The most notable feature of the Silent Brown switches is their satisfying rounded tactile bump, which offers a noticeable feedback when typing. Additionally, these switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Brown switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes, making them approachable for most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches provide a springy and hefty typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a deep, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, a satisfying rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile. Both switches provide satisfying and usable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, allowing them to select the switch that best suits their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch may be the best choice for you. It offers a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture when typing, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which adds to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch might be more suitable for you. It offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Brown provides a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
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