United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Kailh Berry vs. KTT Wine Red

An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular switches worth comparing and contrasting are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Wine Red, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Berry switches offer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. These switches produce a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light type feel that is highly satisfying. Their sound profile is deep and rich, falling under the categories of 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. While these general pointers can provide some guidance, it is essential to dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to make the best decision for your own typing preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

44g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

No

Factory lubed

No

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Progressive spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the KTT Wine Red have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding aesthetic appeal to the switches.

However, the Berry and the Wine Red differ when it comes to their bottom housing. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Wine Red's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, maintaining the same qualities seen in the top housing. This means that the Wine Red will have a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile throughout the entire typing experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used for the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will greatly influence how the switch feels when you press down on it. On the other hand, the top housing will have a larger impact on the sound produced when you let go of a key. Therefore, while the Berry and the Wine Red may share similarities in their top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing will bring distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Berry has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the Wine Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Berry. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Wine Red has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Berry provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Wine Red.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be a suitable choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a better option, given its heavier bottom out force. Despite the differences, it's important to note that both switches provide a medium level of resistance overall. Thus, depending on personal preferences, one can achieve similar results with either switch, as both fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch is 4mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm. This makes them popular choices among gamers who value faster response times. However, the slightly longer travel distance of the Wine Red switch may provide a more satisfying and substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a quicker response or a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.

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

The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience with a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture when typing on them. The sound profile of the Berry switch is fairly deep and can be characterized as low-pitched and bassy, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses.

On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a pillowy light type feel when typing. Although there is no specific description of the feel of the Wine Red switch, it can be assumed to provide a smoother and friction-free typing experience since it is not described as textured like the Berry switch.

In terms of sound, the Wine Red switch also has a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, similar to the Berry switch. Both switches can be considered low-pitched and bassy, offering a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

Overall, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have subjective qualities that make them appealing to different users. The Berry switch provides a springy and textured typing experience, while the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light feel. Both switches have a pleasingly deep and rich sound profile, making them suitable for those who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound and provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a springy typing experience, and a fairly deep sound profile, then the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a tactile feel with a chalk-like texture when typing, creating a unique and satisfying typing experience. The Berry switches are also known for their low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which adds depth and richness to each keypress.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy type feel, the KTT Wine Red linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. These switches provide a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, similar to that of the Berry switches. They also have a low-pitched tone, adding a mellow and bass-heavy characteristic to the typing experience.

Keep in mind that the Berry switches offer a textured feel, which provides noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This may be preferred by some users who enjoy a tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches do not have a specific feel descriptor mentioned, suggesting a smoother and friction-free typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch comes down to your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article