Kailh Berry vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from. Two popular choices that provide different typing experiences are the Kailh Berry and the TTC Gold Brown. The Berry switches are known for their linear design, offering a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. They provide a deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Gold Browns are tactile switches that boast a balanced feel. They feature a slight but satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. The sound profile of the Gold Browns is rounded and generally softer than most switches, although not completely silent. Categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, and polished, these switches offer a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
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
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 TTC Gold Brown switches share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Berry and Gold Brown switches are likely to provide similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Kailh Berry switch features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a similar deep and full sound profile. In terms of sound, both switches are likely to provide comparable results due to the shared use of nylon for their bottom housing.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play different roles in its overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. As both the Berry and Gold Brown switches feature nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch. However, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound when the key is released. Since both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, it is likely that the sound upon key release will be crisp and resonant for both the Berry and Gold Brown switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Berry switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Gold Brown switch requires 55 grams of force to actuate. Although the specific actuation force for the Berry switch is unknown, it is clear that the Gold Brown switch has a lighter actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. Therefore, in terms of bottom out force, the Berry switch is slightly heavier than the Gold Brown switch.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard switches, individuals with a preference for lighter switches may opt for the Gold Brown tactile switch due to its lighter actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In such cases, choosing the Berry linear switch with its heavier actuation force would be more suitable.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Kailh Berry linear switch remains unknown, it is evident that the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force. Conversely, the Berry switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown switch. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Brown switch more appealing, while those desiring a more substantial feel may prefer the Berry switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Berry switch more suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance and seek faster response times, especially gamers who value quick reactions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate deeper key presses and a more substantial feel would likely prefer the Gold Brown switch with its longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both options provide a notable difference in travel distance, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
The Kailh Berry linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a hefty feel and a springy type feel. When typing on these switches, there is a chalk-like texture that enhances the overall tactile experience. The sound profile of the Berry switches is fairly deep with a low-pitched and bassy tone, creating a rich and mellow sound during key presses.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a balanced typing experience. These switches have a slight, satisfying bump that enhances the tactile feedback while typing. They also have a moderate weightiness, adding to the overall typing experience. The sound profile of the Gold Brown switches is generally soft and rounded, giving a much quieter typing experience compared to most switches without being completely silent. The Gold Brown switches are described as having a neutral sound, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches offer a deep and mellow sound with a chalk-like texture during typing, while the Gold Brown switches provide a quieter and more balanced sound with a slight bump for tactile feedback. The Berry switches have a textured feel, while the Gold Brown switches have a mild and buttery typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a deeper sound and a springy feel, the Berry switches would be a great choice. Meanwhile, if you prefer a quieter sound and a balanced typing experience, the Gold Brown switches would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a substantial and springy typing experience, you should choose the Kailh Berry. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The Berry switches also have a chalk-like texture when typing, which some users may prefer. In terms of sound, the Berry switches offer a low-pitched and bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium switch. The Gold Browns have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. In terms of feel, the Berry switches are textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. This can provide a unique typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance. The Gold Brown switches, on the other hand, offer a mild and buttery typing experience. They have a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and TTC Gold Brown switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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