Kailh Berry vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer distinct advantages depending on your personal preferences. The Berry switch is best known for its hefty typing experience, providing users with a satisfying and springy feel. Additionally, the chalk-like texture adds a unique element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch caters to those seeking a more delicate typing experience or individuals who spend long periods of time typing. This switch's material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience. While these generalities give you a glimpse into the key features of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to provide you with a comprehensive comparison so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly in their housing materials. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but has a brighter tone.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Berry employs a nylon material. Switches with nylon housing produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This blend adds to the switch's unique sound profile, which is also pleasant but tilted towards a brighter tone.

While the Kailh Berry and SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a brighter tone. Similarly, both switches produce deeper and fuller sound profiles with their respective nylon and hybrid bottom housings. These similarities allow users to achieve comparable results in terms of sound aesthetics, albeit with slight variations.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Berry has an actuation force that is currently unknown, while the Yanyu also has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Berry requires a heavier force of 70 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel.

Considering weight is important for different preferences. The lighter weight of the Yanyu can be advantageous for individuals who want to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Berry's heavier bottom out force can offer a stronger push feel, providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.

Overall, while the actuation forces of both switches remain unknown, the differences in their bottom out forces suggest that users will experience contrasting typing sensations, with the Berry offering a heavier and more substantial feel and the Yanyu providing a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have different travel distances, with the Berry having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Yanyu having a travel distance of 4 mm. The Yanyu switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Berry switch. The Yanyu's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, while the Berry's 3.6 mm travel distance is on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, making the Berry switch a favorable choice for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and they might prefer the more robust feeling provided by the Yanyu switch's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive press or a longer, more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is best characterized as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deep and rich, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a more neutral and thocky sound profile. Neutral switches have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, while thocky switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a deep and mellow sound, the Berry switch would be a good choice, while the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and satisfying sound.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the switches, which can be preferred by some users for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. The mild feel offers a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. The feathery feel means that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue for extended typing sessions. The subtle feel provides a gentle resistance that is not feather but still maintains a light typing feel. Lastly, the polished feel indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for a textured or smoother typing experience, you can choose either the Berry or Yanyu switch accordingly.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, paired with a textured feel that provides noticeable friction when typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile, paired with a range of feels including mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities make the Yanyu switch suitable for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time, while the Berry switch provides a hefty and springy typing experience. If you're looking for a similar sound or feel, it is recommended to choose a switch with similar descriptors. However, keep in mind that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience and enjoys a springy type feel, then the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a good choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The Berry switches also have a chalk-like texture when typing on them, giving them a unique feel. In terms of sound, the Berry switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or if you frequently type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches have a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switches also have a material blend that gives them a crisp sound profile, characterized by a thocky sound similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Overall, your choice between the Berry and Yanyu switches will depend on your preference for typing force, texture, and sound.

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