Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, one can notice distinct differences in typing experience. The Berry switch stands out for its hefty typing feel with a springy sensation and a chalk-like texture, accompanied by a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unrivaled smoothness, and a light touch. The Smoothie Silver switch is all-POM material, while the Berry switch has a unique texture and sound profile. Each switch has its advantages, with the Berry switch providing a satisfying typing experience and the Smoothie Silver switch offering speed and smoothness. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one noticeable difference is in their top housing materials. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a unique sound experience that appeals to many enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Kailh Berry comes equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which mirrors the unique sound profile of its POM top housing. Both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on the materials used in their bottom housings, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
While the Berry and the Smoothie Silver differ in their choice of housing materials, both switches provide an interesting combination of qualities in their top and bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing material can be felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Kailh Berry or the deeper, muted sound of POM in the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches offer a unique typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The 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 Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch, with an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Berry switch may be preferred by those who desire a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Berry has a slightly longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy tones, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but it is mentioned to have a thocky sound, indicating a unique and satisfying sound experience. Both switches offer a different sound experience, with the Berry providing a deeper tone while the Smoothie Silver may offer a more tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured, providing a chalk-like texture when typing on it. This can add a tactile feel to the typing experience, creating a unique sensation for users. Unfortunately, specific feel descriptors are not provided for the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch. However, based on the information available, it is mentioned to have unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Each switch provides a different subjective experience in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. It is important to consider these qualities along with other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, as well as a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an all-POM switch with a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, preferences, and what feels most comfortable to you while typing.
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