Kailh Berry vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Berry is best known for its hefty typing experience, with a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture that adds to the overall tactile experience. It also has a fairly deep sound profile, giving users a satisfying, low-pitched and bassy feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is designed for those who prioritize speed and precision. With a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, they have a reduced travel distance that allows for quick actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the TTC Speed Silver share many similarities. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that make use of RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Kailh Berry uses nylon while the TTC Speed Silver also incorporates a nylon bottom housing material. This divergence in housing materials affects the sound profile generated when typing on the switches. Nylon is known to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. This, in turn, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Kailh Berry and the TTC Speed Silver. The softer plastic nature of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Considering the individual impact that the top and bottom housing has on the sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that pressing down on either switch will primarily elicit the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and tactile feel will be more influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, when releasing a key, the effects of the top housing will become more apparent in terms of sound. Ultimately, although the Kailh Berry and the TTC Speed Silver share similarities in their top housing materials, the difference in their bottom housing materials will offer slight variations in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force for the Berry switch is unavailable, while the Speed Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the TTC Speed Silver requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Kailh Berry, making it more sensitive and responsive. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Berry switch is 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Speed Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the Berry switch requires a stronger press to fully engage the keys, providing a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios. On the contrary, those seeking a more robust and pronounced tactile response may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Berry switch would be considered the heavier option, while the Speed Silver switch is the lighter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent years. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive key presses, the Berry switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth to their key presses. In this case, the Speed Silver switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and how you want your key presses to feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, offering a moderate sound with no extreme characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used. Considering this, both switches can deliver pleasing sound profiles, but the Berry switch leans towards a deeper and bassy tone, while the Speed Silver switch offers a more moderate sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a springy and textured typing experience. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users prefer for a subtle texture. This texture can give a chalk-like feeling while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish can provide a sleek and refined feel during use. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Berry switch providing a more springy and textured feel, while the Speed Silver switch offers a smoother and polished typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a deep and bassy sound profile, paired with a springy and textured feel when typing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal based on personal preferences. However, it's worth mentioning that while these switches have their unique qualities, the Speed Silver switch can offer a similar typing experience to the Berry switch in terms of sound, albeit with a different character. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving you a medium-heavy resistance. The texture when typing on the Berry switches is chalk-like, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light resistance. The reduced travel distance of the Speed Silver allows for quick and effortless actuation. It has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Berry switch is textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, consider your preferences for typing experience, resistance, sound profile, and feel when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch.
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