Kailh Berry vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry is praised for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture, providing a deep and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its silky smoothness, deeper sound profile, and light 42g actuation force, offering a clacky and easy-to-press typing experience. While the Berry excels in providing a textured and low-pitched typing feel, the Swift shines with its feathery and bouncy feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the HMX Swift, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Swift features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in the Berry offering a more clear and resonant sound, while the Swift provides a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Berry and the Swift utilize nylon for this component. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the split between the top and bottom housings means that each switch will have slightly different characteristics. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key. Despite this difference, both switches will provide a similar overall experience due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the HMX Swift housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Berry creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Swift produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Whether you prefer the clarity of the Berry or the roundness of the Swift, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Berry has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Swift's lighter 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, meaning that we cannot compare them in that aspect. In terms of weight, the Berry switch would be considered heavier, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Swift switch would be lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a factor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding key press weight and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly shorter than the HMX Swift linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Berry switch offers a slightly quicker keystroke compared to the Swift switch. If you are looking for a snappy and responsive typing experience, the Berry switch may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the Swift switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Berry delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Swift offers a crisp and bright sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its textured typing experience, providing a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the contrary, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Swift switch is also characterized as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, giving users a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a lively and elastic feedback.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Berry switch provides a deep and textured typing experience with a springy and chalk-like feel, the Swift switch offers a smooth and easy-to-press sensation with a silky smoothness and delicate actuation force. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback from both switches, with each offering its own distinct sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a springy and chalk-like texture, along with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, silky typing experience with a brighter sound profile, then the Swift switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
