Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry is a linear switch known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture, providing a deep sound profile that is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Smoothie, also a linear switch, boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch, categorized as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. If you are looking for a switch that offers a satisfying typing experience with a deep sound, the Berry may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the Smoothie could be your ideal choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer distinct advantages. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, POM provides a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Berry utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have the ability to absorb sound differently, with nylon creating a duller and rounder sound compared to POM. Despite these differences, both materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Berry and Gateron Smoothie, it is evident that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a balanced sound profile when typing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Berry and Smoothie may have different housing materials, they both offer distinct advantages and contribute to the overall typing experience in their own ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Kailh Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, providing a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes, and its bottom out force is not available. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Kailh Berry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on actuation and bottom out force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it is important to note that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the Berry or the Smoothie, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar typing feel and experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of other characteristics such as actuation force, smoothness, and overall performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and mellow tone with a chalk-like texture when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky and subdued sound, offering a rich and satisfying thud-like sound when pressed, which is more on the bass-heavy and subdued side. Both switches cater to different sound preferences, with the Berry focusing on a deeper tone and the Smoothie providing a more dampened and thocky sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer some resistance while typing. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Smoothie switch focuses on providing an effortless and seamless typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a deep and springy typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky and silky typing sensation with a smooth and effortless keystroke. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the tactile texture of the Berry or the buttery smoothness of the Smoothie to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance with distinct characteristics that cater to a variety of mechanical keyboard users.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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