Kailh Berry vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Durock White Lotus. The Berry is a linear switch that provides a satisfyingly springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, while also offering a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It strikes the perfect balance between delicately noticeable tactility and user-friendliness, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Durock White Lotus have contrasting top housing materials. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This unique blend gives the White Lotus switch a premium feel, but there isn't much information available on how it affects the sound profile. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing provides a specific sound and visual advantage, while the White Lotus's modified blend housing remains a bit more mysterious in terms of its impact.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Berry and the White Lotus share the same material: nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches leverage this characteristic to enhance their overall sound experience. With nylon bottom housings, both the Berry and the White Lotus switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound production. The only difference lies in the top housing, which will influence the overall sound when you release a key.

Overall, the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Durock White Lotus differ, except for their shared nylon bottom housing. The Berry utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a specific sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing that offers a unique and premium feel, although the specific impact on sound remains unclear. However, both switches offer a similar sound experience attributed to their nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, several differences become apparent. The actuation force of the Kailh Berry switch is listed as unavailable, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the unknown actuation force of the Berry switch. On the other hand, the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is heavier compared to the White Lotus's bottom out force of 56 grams, making the Berry switch provide a more substantial typing experience.

Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the White Lotus switch makes it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This would be ideal for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Berry switch caters to those seeking a stronger push feel, providing a more satisfying and substantial typing experience. These individuals would prioritize options with heavier forces to meet their preferences.

While the exact actuation force of the Berry switch is unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that it would require a more forceful keystroke compared to the White Lotus. However, both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to their bottom out forces. Therefore, if one desires similar results in terms of bottoming out, both switches would provide a comparable experience, with the Berry switch being the heavier option.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, the Berry switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value quick response times. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a slightly more substantial travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth. Both switches offer distinct experiences, and while the Berry switch is shorter, it is important to note that its relatively shorter travel distance still provides a satisfying keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, but it is described as more neutral. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the Berry switch being slightly deeper and richer in tone compared to the White Lotus.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured typing experience. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a tactile sensation that can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a low-impact typing feel. The White Lotus switch is also described as mild and subtle, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Overall, the Berry switch provides a more textured feel, while the White Lotus switch offers a smoother and more effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Berry switch offers a springy and textured typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. It is best suited for users who prefer switches with noticeable friction and a richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a delicate tactility that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. It offers an easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and they can provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience, then the Kailh Berry switch might be the right choice for you. These switches offer a deep sound profile with a low-pitched and bassy tone. Additionally, if you enjoy a textured feel when typing, the Berry switches provide noticeable friction. On the other hand, if you value a light tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Durock White Lotus switch could be more suitable for your needs. These switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, these switches are suitable for most users. In terms of feel, the White Lotus switches are easy-to-press, providing a low-impact typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Their mild and subtle characteristics make them approachable and suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Berry and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your preference for typing force, sound profile, and tactile feel. Consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences to select the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more