Kailh Berry vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Berry is known for its hefty typing experience, offering a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. It produces a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing one of the most pleasant linear switch experiences. Typing on the Piano offers a gliding push feel, accompanied by a deep and creamy sound signature. It is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. While these general characteristics certainly play a role in choosing between these switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$6.25 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Durock Piano differ significantly. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Berry's clear housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While we do not have specific details about the blend, it is clear that the Piano focuses on delivering a rich and immersive sound experience.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Berry and Piano also differ. The Berry's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which results in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Piano also employs a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which contributes to its uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of the blend are unknown, the aim is to deliver a sound experience that is immersive and pleasing to the user.

While the housing materials in the Kailh Berry and Durock Piano have distinct characteristics, they both prioritize sound quality. The top housing of the Berry and the POM blend top housing of the Piano are responsible for the sound produced when letting go of a key, emphasizing the importance of a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of nylon in the Berry and the POM blend in the Piano focus on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, showcasing the significance of achieving a deep and satisfying sound profile. Therefore, while the materials may differ, the ultimate goal of delivering an exceptional sound experience remains the same for both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable, so we cannot compare them directly in this aspect. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Berry weighing in at 70 grams and the Piano at 63.5 grams.

In terms of weight, both switches provide a substantial typing experience. However, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may find the Berry switch more suitable, as its bottom out force is slightly heavier. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions, reducing fatigue and allowing for increased typing endurance. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more solid and substantial typing experience.

While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is presumed that the actuation forces would also fall within the medium-heavy range to complement their respective bottom out forces. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke for both the Kailh Berry and Durock Piano linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of the keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different travel distances, with the Berry having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Piano having a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Piano switch is longer than the Berry switch.

With a travel distance of 4 mm, the Durock Piano linear switch falls within the range of the most traditional travel distance, providing a standard feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter travel distance could be preferred by gamers who desire faster response times, as shorter travel distances are known to enhance responsiveness.

It is worth noting that while shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, they may not be suitable for everyone's preferences. Some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more hearty depth when typing or gaming, the switch with the longer travel distance, in this case the Durock Piano linear switch, would be the better option.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different travel distances, with the Piano being the longer option. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, with shorter travel distances offering faster response times and longer travel distances providing a deeper typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

In terms of sound, the Berry switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Piano switch also has a bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich sound during typing. Both switches provide a similar deep sound profile, but the Berry switch may have a slightly lower pitch compared to the Piano switch.

In terms of feel, the Berry switch is described as having a textured or scratchy feel. This means that the switch has noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky feel. These switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Piano switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch offers a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a fairly deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano switch is known for its pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on the user's personal preferences. If the user is looking for a deeper and bassier sound, either switch would provide similar results. Similarly, if the user prefers a textured or scratchy feel, the Berry switch would be a suitable choice, while the Piano switch would be preferable for those who desire a frictionless and silky typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch may be the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that some users find satisfying. In terms of sound, the Berry switch provides a low-pitched and bassy tone, which gives a deeper and mellow sound profile during key presses.

On the other hand, if you value a pleasant and gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it also falls into the medium-heavy range. The proprietary material blend used in the Piano switch enhances its typing experience, offering a frictionless and silky smooth feel when pressing and releasing keys. The sound profile of the Piano switch is also described as bassy, providing a deeper and richer tone.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Berry and Durock Piano switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a springy and textured typing experience with a lower-pitched sound, the Berry switch might be the one for you. However, if you prefer a gliding push feel, creamy sound profile, and a frictionless or silky smooth typing experience, the Piano switch could be the better choice. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make the decision that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more