Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and Gateron CAP Anniversary offer distinct features and benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Briny, crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that is appealing for those seeking a harmonious auditory experience while typing. It provides a reliable and smooth actuation, making it an excellent choice for users looking for an understated yet effective linear switch. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are engineered with a novel CAP structure that promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes. With their unique aerodynamic stem design—including tiny holes for releasing excess air and an enlarged, hollowed-out stem post—the CAP switches prioritize stability and minimal wobble, offering a premium, polished feel that can enhance overall performance during extensive typing sessions. While both switches belong to the linear category and cater to those who prefer a quieter operation, their distinct characteristics may appeal differently depending on your typing style and sound 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches present a noteworthy contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Keygeek Briny features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer, more absorbent nature. This material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing for a weighted typing experience where the sound produced is pleasantly muted. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and more resonant, leading to a sharper and crisper sound. The differences in sound profile are pronounced; users opting for the Briny will experience a rounded tone, while those using the CAP Anniversary will enjoy a more vibrant and clear auditory feedback.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which adds a layer of commonality between them. This shared material impacts the tactile feel and overall sound produced when bottoming out during typing. Just like with the Briny's nylon bottom, the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, while the top housings distinctly diverge in their sound characteristics, the bottom housings converge in their ability to absorb sound and provide a more subdued auditory experience when keys are fully pressed down. This similarity allows them to share a foundational typing experience, even if their top housings deliver contrasting auditory flourishes.
When considering the overall typing experience, it’s essential to recognize how the differing top and bottom materials impact the sound and feel of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both the Briny and the CAP Anniversary enhances the depth of sound upon actuation, while the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary delivers a splash of brightness on release. Meanwhile, the Briny's nylon top maintains a consistent depth throughout the typing experience. Thus, even though the two switches leverage different top materials, they can still achieve a satisfying and rich acoustic character in their own unique ways, depending on users' preferences for sound profiles during their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Briny having a bottom out force of 60 grams and the CAP Anniversary slightly heavier at 65 grams. This indicates that while both switches feel similar when engaging the keystroke, the CAP Anniversary offers a firmer and more substantial feel when pressed all the way down due to its higher bottom out force. For typists or gamers who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Briny switch is the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the slightly heavier feel of the Gateron CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch comes in at a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that the Briny switch provides a shorter travel, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quick key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who appreciate a more pronounced key feel, providing a hearty depth to their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: opt for the Briny for agility or the CAP Anniversary for a more deliberate keystroke.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, the Briny is best known for a balanced sound profile that provides a pleasant auditory feedback without any overwhelming characteristics, making it suitable for both quiet and bustling environments. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switches deliver a notably refined sound experience, aided by their innovative design which can potentially enhance acoustic clarity. Both switches will ultimately depend on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice for the final sound quality, but they each promise a sound that resonates well with their intended use.
In terms of feel, the Briny is characterized by its smooth operation, delivering a typing experience that is fluid yet defined, which many users find satisfying for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switches stand out for their diverse and impressive qualities; they are described as snappy, creamy, and polished. This means they not only provide an engaging and responsive typing experience but also incorporate a buttery smoothness thanks to their design and possible factory lubrication. The combination of these attributes from the CAP Anniversary switches ensures that they feel exceptionally refined, adding layers of tactile enjoyment to the experience.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches offer solid performance, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Briny excels in delivering a balanced sound and a smooth feel, perfect for those who appreciate a straightforward linear switch. Meanwhile, the CAP Anniversary shines with its innovative structure, offering a snappier, creamier, and polished experience that is likely to appeal to users looking for a more nuanced typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying performance, but the right choice will depend on whether one values a more classic linear typing feel or desires an elevated tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be the right choice for you. It offers a comfortable typing experience that suits gaming as well as general typing tasks, providing a good balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth keystroke and don’t mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch could be more appealing. Its unique aerodynamic design and features, such as reduced wobble and enhanced stability, deliver a typing experience that feels both snappy and creamy. If you admire a refined, polished feel that enhances your overall typing rhythm, the CAP Anniversary might be the best fit. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value the smooth, balanced experience of the Briny or the advanced design and tactile feedback of the Gateron CAP Anniversary.
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