Gateron Aliaz vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Briny present distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz, categorized as silky, muted, and polished, is particularly well-suited for quiet environments like offices, thanks to its silent design. It features a medium-heavy weight, delivering a substantial feel with each keystroke that appeals to users seeking pronounced tactile feedback without the clatter often associated with traditional switches. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny stands out as a linear switch, boasting an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which results in a balanced sound profile that many typists and gamers appreciate for its smooth and uninterrupted key presses. While the Aliaz provides a more tactile and muted experience ideal for collaborative spaces, the Briny is perfect for those who prefer the fluidity and subtlety of linear switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Briny feature distinct housing materials, leading to different auditory and tactile experiences. The Aliaz uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, known for its stiffness and clarity. This material typically produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates crisply upon key presses. The choice of polycarbonate in the Aliaz allows it to maintain a clear and vibrant sound, making it an excellent option for users who favor a more pronounced keystroke feedback, especially in gaming or typing scenarios. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for setups that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetics while providing a modern, visually appealing interface.
Conversely, the Keygeek Briny employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which offers a markedly different auditory experience. The properties of nylon as a softer plastic lead to a fuller, deeper sound profile, interpreted as rounder and more muted in comparison to the sharpness provided by polycarbonate. This contrast means that users who opt for the Briny will experience a type of key feedback that is less resonant but more cushioned, which may appeal to those who prefer a softer, more subdued typing experience. The nylon housing absorbs more sound, eliminating some of the harsher tones typically associated with key presses in polycarbonate switches.
While the Aliaz and Briny utilize different materials, the fundamental function remains consistent in that each switch combines the unique attributes of its top and bottom housings. In cases where a switch has varying materials for the top and bottom, the overall sound and feel are influenced by both components. For the Aliaz, the crisp sound profile is shaped predominantly by the polycarbonate housing, while the Briny delivers a smoother experience rooted in its nylon construction. Though the Aliaz will provide a more vibrant and clear output, and the Briny presents a softer, rounder sound, both can yield pleasing results depending on a typist's or gamer's preferences and priorities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Briny has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium resistance that is more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, those who seek a more tactile and forceful keystroke may gravitate towards the Aliaz, while individuals who favor enhanced comfort during long use might prefer the lighter feel of the Briny. Overall, this distinction in force requirements highlights individual preferences in typing experience, with the Aliaz being the heavier option and the Briny the lighter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it becomes clear that the Aliaz offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Briny features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference can significantly affect the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers may gravitate towards the Briny due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, catering to those who prefer a more rapid typing experience. On the other hand, the Aliaz, with its greater depth, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its muted acoustics, designed specifically for quiet environments such as offices. This allows users to enjoy a quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile due to its construction with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, although specific descriptors for its sound are not available. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycaps used, so users may still find a degree of similarity in sound quality between the two when used in different settings.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provides an exceptionally smooth experience that has been described as both silky and polished. This smoothness enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring that each keystroke feels refined and satisfying, thanks to the quality of its materials and potential factory lubing. There isn’t any detailed description available for the feel of the Keygeek Briny linear switch, making it difficult to compare directly; however, linear switches generally offer a different typist experience, which typically emphasizes smooth uninterrupted motion without the tactile bump found in the Aliaz.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is tailored for users seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, making it ideal for professional environments. In contrast, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch has an unknown tactile feel, it is recognized for its balanced sound, which could appeal to those who prefer linear switches. Users looking for similar results in specific areas can explore each option based on their unique preferences in sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office or shared space where noise can be a distraction, the Aliaz switches are an excellent choice thanks to their muted sound profile and tactile feedback. Their heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams will give you a more substantial feel as you type, which can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, if you favor a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the Briny’s medium bottom-out force of 60 grams may suit you better, especially if you appreciate a balanced sound profile. This can make the Briny an appealing option for gaming or scenarios where speed is essential, as it allows for rapid key presses without the heavier resistance experienced with the Aliaz. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just the tactile and auditory qualities of the switches, but also how they align with your typical typing demands and environment.
Mentioned in this article
