Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switch is well-known for its hefty typing experience, providing a springy feeling and a chalk-like texture when typing. Additionally, it offers a fairly deep sound profile, making each keystroke feel substantial. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch stands out for its silenced feature, making it ideal for situations that require quieter typing. This switch provides a comfortable pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', and 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished', respectively, these switches have distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have distinctive characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing by Gateron, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. The sound is described as clacky, striking a balance between sharpness and satisfaction.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Berry utilizes nylon, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with the top housing. The bottom housing contributes to the overall clacky sound of the switch, adding to the satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile.
Despite the differences in the housing materials, both switches produce desirable sound profiles for mechanical keyboards. The Kailh Berry's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a combination of sharpness and depth in the sound. Meanwhile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing offer a clacky and high-pitched sound experience. While the specific characteristics may differ, both switches provide distinct sounds and could be suitable choices depending on the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Berry switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine its exact comparison to the Silent Ink Black switch which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be a better choice with its lower actuation force. This lighter touch allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry switch offers a stronger push feel due to its unknown actuation force, potentially appealing to users who seek a more substantial typing experience.
In terms of weight, the comparison between these switches is not specified. However, it is worth noting that weight can also play a role in selecting a switch. Some prefer lighter switches for extended use, while others appreciate a heavier feel for increased tactile feedback. Overall, both the Kailh Berry and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide users with options for their desired typing experience, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Ink Black is longer than the Berry switch. A switch's travel distance is important as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when a key is pressed. The most traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If responsiveness is important to you, the Berry switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper feel when typing. In this case, the Silent Ink Black switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 is best known for its hefty typing experience, with a springy and chalk-like texture when typing on them. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its silenced version, making it a great choice for environments that require quieter typing. It offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch produces a softer and quieter sound, making it a muted switch that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silenced version with a cushy bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. However, both switches excel in their respective areas, providing satisfying experiences for different user preferences. If a similar typing experience is desired, either switch can be chosen based on personal preference and the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, you have two great options to consider: the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Berry switch is known for its hefty typing experience, characterized by a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. It also offers a deep sound profile, with low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for quieter environments, providing a cushiony and pillow-like bottom out feel with minimal audio feedback. It offers a muted sound profile, reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch boasts a silky and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using them.
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