Keygeek Briny vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Coral, both linear switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The Briny is recognized for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Coral switch stands out with its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a nuanced sophistication that elevates the tactile experience with each keystroke. While the Briny is ideal for those who favor a more neutral sound within their environment, the Coral appeals to users who desire a silky touch and an engaging auditory signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and Jerrzi Coral switches showcase distinct materials for their top housings, resulting in notably different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This leads to a sound that is more subdued and rounded, creating a cushioned typing experience that many users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate amplifies the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, leading to a more articulate auditory response. Aesthetic considerations also play a role, as the translucent nature of the polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually more appealing in backlit setups.
Interestingly, both the Briny and Coral share nylon as their bottom housing material, which aligns their acoustic qualities in this respect. As nylon is a classic material for switch housings, both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile stemming from their bottom housing. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that when pressed, both switches will produce a similarly duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic highlights how the materials influence the overall tactile and auditory experiences of each switch, making the bottom-out feel quite comparable even though the top housings diverge significantly.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny and Jerrzi Coral differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the Briny and polycarbonate for the Coral—they converge on using nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a substantial degree of similarity in the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can experience a rich typing experience with the influence of nylon in both switches, while the choice of top materials dictates the overall sonic character during key release and the visual appeal of the switches. This interplay between the materials allows each switch to cater to different preferences while sharing a common foundation in sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, the most notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Coral is lighter at 40 grams. This variance suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions might find the Coral more comfortable, as it allows for easier keystrokes. In contrast, those who enjoy a sturdier feel may gravitate toward the Briny, given its greater actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Briny has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Coral's bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to contrast this aspect. The Briny is therefore the heavier option overall, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Coral stands as the lighter choice for those seeking ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Coral has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Briny is the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker response times that come with less key travel, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Coral offers a greater depth, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. If you're seeking a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback, selecting between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preference for travel distance, with the Briny being the more responsive choice and the Coral offering a more pronounced keypress experience.
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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile, which likely offers a harmonious mix of tones without overwhelming highs or lows. This characteristic makes it versatile for a variety of typing tasks, suitable for both gaming and professional work environments. The Jerrzi Coral linear switch, on the other hand, is noted for its lower-pitched resonance, delivering a sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This quality could lead to a more soothing auditory experience, particularly enjoyable in quieter settings where keystrokes are accentuated. Both switches are influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycaps, but the Briny's balanced sound and Coral's crisp, low-pitched tone will present distinctly different experiences.
In terms of feel, the Briny is likely to provide a smooth yet undefined typing experience, though specific descriptors are not provided. In contrast, the Coral switch is characterized by its silky feel, which enhances smoothness during typing and minimizes any resistance encountered when pressing and releasing keys. This silky sensation can significantly improve long typing sessions, making each keystroke feel effortless. If the Briny also offers a smooth typing experience, users might find a level of comfort in both switches, but the Coral explicitly promises a refined touch that may set it apart in tactile enjoyment.
In conclusion, if you're exploring linear switches, both the Keygeek Briny and Jerrzi Coral switches offer intriguing qualities. The Briny’s balanced sound profile makes it adaptable for various typing needs, while the Coral distinguishes itself with its lower-pitched, mellower sound and silky feel, catering to those who appreciate a refined typing experience. While some feel qualities of the Briny remain unspecified, if they lean toward a smoothness similar to the Coral's, users can expect enjoyment from each switch's unique attributes. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches could serve well, but the Coral's specific characteristics may make it a more appealing choice for those who prioritize silky smoothness combined with a nuanced acoustic profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Briny linear switch or the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a balanced sound profile coupled with a medium actuation force (60 grams), the Briny may be your ideal choice. It's particularly suitable for those who appreciate a more traditional feel and sound in their mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth and crisp, with a distinctively lower-pitched resonance, the Coral is likely the better option for you. Its silky feel and enhanced performance can make typing more enjoyable, especially for users who type extensively or look for a refined experience. Thus, assess what aspects of a switch matter most to you—whether you value sound, force, or overall feel—and let that guide you in making your final decision.
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