Gateron Beer vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a crucial role in the typing experience, with options like the Gateron Beer tactile switches and the Keygeek Briny linear switches showcasing the diverse range available. The Gateron Beer is distinctive for its tactile feedback, evoking the effervescence of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green appearance. These switches promise a light touch with a unique stepped tactility, delivering a satisfying yet subtle bump during key presses, complemented by their characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny offers a linear experience, recognized for its smooth keystrokes and a balanced sound profile, appealing to those who prefer uninterrupted keypresses without tactile interruptions. While the Beer engages the senses with its tactile and auditory feedback, the Briny caters to typists and gamers who appreciate a fluid and seamless input. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s ideal for your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Keygeek Briny switches utilize distinctly different housing materials for their construction, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Gateron Beer features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity, translucency, and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, which is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is utilized, as the light passes through the clear housing beautifully. On the contrary, the Keygeek Briny makes use of nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by its softer nature. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs sound waves, thereby providing a duller, rounder auditory experience.
The differences in housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles when typing. With the Gateron Beer, the polycarbonate construction contributes to a crisper sound during key releases, while the bottom-out sound—arguably more affected by the bottom housing—can still capture some essence of that sharpness due to the attributes of the polycarbonate material. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny’s nylon construction creates a consistently deeper and fuller sound throughout, wherein the softer nature of nylon tends to absorb and dampen vibrations. This means that while typing on the Briny provides a more muted acoustic experience, it results in a unique, soothing tactile feedback that some users may prefer.
When comparing both switches, it becomes clear that while they utilize differing materials, there are benefits to each approach. If you are seeking a bright, resonant key experience, the Gateron Beer’s polycarbonate housings align perfectly with that desire. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, less piercing auditory sensation, the Keygeek Briny delivers with its plush nylon fixtures. Ultimately, the impact of each switch can be a matter of personal preference, but both switches create distinctive experiences through their respective materials—highlighting how changes in the housing can lead to varying outcomes in key feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Keygeek Briny linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lightweight feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Briny switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push. This difference in forces indicates that the Gateron Beer is lighter overall, catering to those who prioritize comfort and ease during lengthy use, while the Keygeek Briny is designed for users who may benefit from the feedback and stability offered by its heavier force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences due to their respective measurements. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Keygeek Briny features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Beer switch allows for a quicker response, making it a preferable choice for those who favor fast-paced gaming and rapid key presses. Conversely, the Briny's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. While both switches fall below the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the difference between them highlights the balance between responsiveness and depth, ultimately catering to varying user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switches produce a distinctly clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, reminiscent of the effervescent quality of a Tsingtao beer bottle. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback creates an engaging experience for typists, often making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is designed to have a balanced sound profile, although specific descriptors for its audio characteristics are not provided. While the Briny’s sound may be more subdued, it’s important to note that sound can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning users might achieve a variety of auditory experiences with either switch type depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch offers a lightweight, easy-to-press action that reduces resistance during key presses, facilitating a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The stepped tactility of the Beer allows for a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to a continuous feel, meaning typists can appreciate the slight variations during their actioning, including a definitive separation between pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Keygeek Briny linear switch remain unknown; however, linear switches typically provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps, which can deliver a different typing experience that many enthusiasts prefer for its fluidity.
In summary, while the Gateron Beer switches offer a vibrant clacky sound and a unique stepped tactile feel that emphasizes both comfort and engagement, the Keygeek Briny linear switch, with its balanced sound profile and potentially unknown feel characteristics, may cater more to those who enjoy a smooth and linear keystroke. Each switch type serves different preferences; thus, individuals might choose between the tactile feedback and sound signature of the Beer versus the more subdued, perhaps fluid nature of the Briny, ensuring that whether they’re after stimulation or smoothness, they'll find a switch that suits their typing needs within both offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between Gateron Beer tactile switches and Keygeek Briny linear switches ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lightweight and easy-to-press switch that allows for effortless typing with a noticeable tactile feedback, the Gateron Beer is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, especially if you prefer a keyboard that feels snappy and responsive without too much resistance. The clacky sound profile also adds an extra element of auditory satisfaction, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate sound in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium pushback, you may want to opt for the Keygeek Briny. Its 60-gram bottom out force provides a more robust typing experience and is better suited for users who appreciate a firm engagement with each keystroke. Moreover, the Briny’s balanced sound profile keeps things grounded and quiet, allowing for a more subdued experience. Overall, your choice should align with whether you prioritize lightness and sound or a firmer tactile presence in your typing encounters.
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