Huano Acacia vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Briny each offer distinct characteristics appealing to different typists. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Briny stands out with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, creating a balanced sound profile that many users find satisfying, particularly in environments where acoustic feedback is a priority. While both switches fall into the linear category and excel in their own rights, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value a silky feel or a pleasing auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Briny, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Briny opts for a nylon top housing, known for providing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer material which absorbs sound more effectively. This fundamental difference in material influences the auditory experience of each switch; while the Acacia's polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, the Briny's nylon contributes to a warmer, rounder acoustics. Aesthetically, the Acacia also benefits from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it especially suitable for RGB lighting setups, whereas the Briny's nylon housing may not produce the same lit effect.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Briny employ nylon, which offers a consistent auditory characteristic across these switches. Here, both switches benefit from the same sound-absorbing properties of nylon, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differences present in their top housings. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, while the Acacia might project a brighter sound when releasing a key due to its polycarbonate top, the similar nylon bottom in both switches ensures a unified performance that reinforces the perceived richness of each typing experience.
In summary, the distinct materials in the top housing—polycarbonate for the Acacia and nylon for the Briny—contrast sharply in terms of their contributions to sound profile and aesthetic suitability for lighting. However, the similarity in bottom housing material fortifies a cohesive sound experience, highlighting how the combination of these materials affects overall switch performance. While pressing down on either switch will elicit a consistent, deeper sound from the nylon bottom, the listening experience diverges when it comes to releasing the keys. Thus, while they may yield different results in some respects, the configurations of the Huano Acacia and Keygeek Briny ultimately illustrate how the impact of individual housing materials can both complement and contrast with one another to create unique auditory profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Briny has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, making the Acacia more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Acacia again comes in lighter at 55 grams compared to the Briny's sturdier 60 grams. This indicates that the Briny may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer feedback when pressing down on the keys. Overall, the Huano Acacia is the lighter option, making it favorable for extended use, while the Keygeek Briny is the heavier choice, appealing to those who appreciate a more robust feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch with that of the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Briny has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances generally facilitate faster key activation. Conversely, the Briny, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a relatively muted tone, which contributes to a more subdued typing experience. This can make it pleasing for those who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. While both switches aim for a less disruptive auditory experience, the specific nuances of each can change depending on the keycap and keyboard setup used, so personal preference plays a significant role in the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, attributed to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This results in an incredibly pleasant tactile feedback that encourages prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny linear switch also emphasizes smoothness, but the specifics of its feel are not detailed. While both switches promise a smooth action, the overall sensation may vary slightly and is influenced by the individual user's habits and preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Keygeek Briny linear switches cater to users seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, though the nuances in sound and feel differ based on their unique constructions. The Acacia's muted tone and comfortable tactile response make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a cushioned experience, while the Briny's balanced sound and design may appeal to users looking for precision. With similar qualities in mind, selecting between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding their specific auditory and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for actuation force and overall typing sensation. The Acacia, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, making it a great choice for fast typists or gamers who need responsiveness. Furthermore, its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a smooth and satisfying experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced feel and sound, the Keygeek Briny with its slightly heavier 60-gram actuation force may be your go-to. The use of an UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing in the Briny improves durability while delivering a sound profile that many find pleasing, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Therefore, consider your typing style and sound preferences when picking your switch; a lighter, smoother experience with the Acacia versus a more robust build and sound profile with the Briny is the distinction that might sway your choice.
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