KTT Ash Gray vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, providing a light touch and a crisp actuation that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback with every keystroke, the Ash Gray strikes a perfect balance, categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny is a linear switch that boasts a construction featuring an UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, yielding a balanced sound profile that is smooth and uninterrupted. This makes the Briny a great choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience and a smooth travel without the tactile bumps. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on personal preferences; 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Briny, we find a notable distinction in the materials used for the top housings. The Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance, especially beneficial when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Briny features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer, more muted sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to stiffer materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As such, users can expect differing acoustic outcomes when typing on these two switches, with the Ash Gray providing a more pronounced sound when letting go of keys, while the Briny offers a more subdued auditory feedback.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they share a material: nylon. Both the Ash Gray and the Briny feature nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. This similarity helps unify the auditory experience, as both switches will have a rounder and duller sound when the keys are bottomed out. The emphasis on nylon in both designs underscores a common goal: to deliver a satisfying and robust typing experience, even if their top housing materials diverge significantly in sound characteristics.
In essence, users can anticipate varied sound profiles stemming from different top housing materials while still enjoying a consistent feel and sound from the nylon bottom housing. The Ash Gray’s polycarbonate top allows for bright and clear tones during key releases, whereas the Briny’s nylon top results in softer, more muted sounds. However, both switches will deliver similarly deep and resonant aspects in the bottom-out sound and feel because of the nylon bottom, suggesting that while the acoustics may vary in the upper register, a common grounding can still be appreciated through the shared nylon material in both models.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Ash Gray features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which classes it as medium-light. In contrast, the Briny requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it firmly in the medium range. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Ash Gray switch, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience will likely find the Briny to be a better fit due to its heavier resistance. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the unique characteristics of each switch, catering to various user preferences for force feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, the Ash Gray measures at 3.5 mm, while the Briny has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This discrepancy means that the Ash Gray is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quicker response times. In contrast, the Briny's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Ash Gray would be the better choice, whereas the Briny could cater to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with its longer travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that is generally deemed neutral. This means that its sound is neither too loud nor too soft, making it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. The sound quality is characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement, which allows for a versatile typing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned users. The acoustic properties of the Briny switch are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison of their auditory experiences. However, it’s worth noting that sound can be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so varying setups might yield different results.
In terms of tactile feel, the Ash Gray switch stands out for its blend of easy actuation and mild tactile feedback. The easy-to-press nature of the switch minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, contributing to a comfortable and responsive experience. Users can expect a gentle resistance that makes it a pleasure to type on without straining their fingers. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Ash Gray switch ensure that its tactile feedback is approachable for most typists. The feel of the Briny switch, unfortunately, is not detailed, which leaves an uncertainty in how it compares to the Ash Gray. Typically, linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, but the lack of specific feedback on the Briny means that its tactile sensation remains to be discovered.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray switch excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a comfortable, mild tactile experience, ideal for a broad range of users. While both switches cater to different preferences—one being tactile and the other linear—the absence of information regarding the Briny's sound and feel leaves an opportunity for exploration. If one duplicates the sampling environment with similar boards and keycaps, they may find the Ash Gray's qualities noted above, while the Briny might offer its distinct experience, which remains to be articulated.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch should largely depend on your preferences for typing experience and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overwhelming, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and easy-to-press characteristics make it ideal for reducing finger fatigue, providing a satisfying yet comfortable experience whether you're writing, coding, or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward, smooth keystroke with a slightly higher resistance at 60 grams, the Briny linear switch may be the better option. The Briny’s balanced sound profile, coupled with its robust build quality, suits those who appreciate a clean, uninterrupted keystroke and might prefer a consistent feel over tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the overall ambiance you seek—whether it's a tactile response to enhance your productivity with the Ash Gray or the smooth, linear experience of the Briny that lets you focus on your tasks without distraction.
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