Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Briny, known for its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that many users appreciate for its subtlety and consistency, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is tailored for budget-conscious enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on quality; it features a unique combination of a poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth keystroke, creating a lively typing experience that is both enjoyable and responsive. While the Briny leans towards a more neutral and refined audio experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro appeals to those seeking an engaging and somewhat playful switch characteristic. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
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
3.30 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
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, significant differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer composition. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more vibrations and sound waves, creating a duller, warmer auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. This key difference in material leads to distinct experiences when engaging with each switch, as the Briny offers a subdued sound while the V3 Cream Black Pro delivers a bright and vibrant acoustic response.
On the other hand, both switches share a common element in their bottom housing. The Briny's bottom housing is also made of nylon, just like the V3 Cream Black Pro. This similarity means that regardless of the distinct auditory responses created by the top housings, both switches will deliver a deeper, more rounded sound profile due to the nylon's properties in the bottom housing. The nylon bottom contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback when pressing the key down. As such, users can expect a consistent experience regarding the bottom-out feel, making the overall typing experience somewhat unified between the two models, as they share the same foundational material in their lower housing.
In summary, the comparison between the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro highlights notable contrasts, particularly in their top housing materials, which dictate their sound profiles. The nylon top of the Briny provides a more subdued auditory experience, in stark contrast to the bright and crisp sounds produced by the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro. However, the shared nylon composition in their bottom housings ensures a unified experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the two switches exhibit differing acoustic properties due to their top housings, they deliver similar tactile responses due to their common material in the bottom housing, allowing users to enjoy a blend of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Briny's actuation force is set at 50 grams, making it the lighter option, while the V3 Cream Black Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference suggests that the Briny may be more suitable for users looking for comfort during extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the V3 Cream Black Pro could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel when pressing their keys. Looking at the bottom out force, the Briny has a force of 60 grams, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro tops out at 65 grams, further solidifying its status as the heavier option. Overall, users seeking a lighter, more responsive switch may gravitate towards the Keygeek Briny, while those who favor a robust feel might opt for the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Briny the longer option, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for a deeper feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter distance allows for quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who favor rapid response times. If you enjoy a more responsive switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will influence your decision: a hearty depth with the Briny or a snappier experience with the V3 Cream Black Pro.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 considering the sound profiles of the Keygeek Briny and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches, the Briny is known for producing a balanced sound characteristic. This indicates a more neutral tonal quality that might appeal to users preferring a less intrusive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a distinctly high-pitched sound, which manifests as a sharp and crisp auditory feedback upon key presses. For users who lean towards more lively and pronounced sounds, the V3 Cream Black Pro's poppy and clacky timbre will likely be more satisfying. It's important to keep in mind that the sound experienced can also vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choices.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Briny's particular characteristics aren't specified, leaving some unknowns for potential users. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches are recognized for their creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished sensations. This combination provides a truly delightful typing experience; the smoothness of the creamy texture ensures fluid key presses, while the bouncy feedback offers a spring-like responsiveness that can enhance typing efficiency. The snappy nature further contributes to a lively and engaged interaction with the keyboard, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. The polished finish reduces friction, promoting effortless movement across the key surfaces, leading to a refined typing experience.
In summary, if you're seeking a mechanical keyboard switch that boasts a balanced sound, the Keygeek Briny might be suitable for a subtler auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro excels with its high-pitched sound and rich tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing journey with smoothness and springy responsiveness. While the feel of the Briny remains unspecified, it’s evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a well-rounded and enjoyable tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, these switches cater to different user needs, with the possibility of achieving similar results in typing satisfaction despite their inherent differences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences in typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you prefer a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force that feels just right for all-around typing and gaming, the Briny is a fantastic choice with its 60 grams of bottom-out force. Additionally, if you appreciate a smoother and more polished typing experience that feels comfortable over long typing sessions, the Briny excels in that area, providing a pleasurable glide as you navigate through your tasks. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slightly heavier actuation force with a poppy and clacky sound that brings an energetic vibe to your typing, the V3 Cream Black Pro is more suitable. With its 65 grams of bottom-out force and creamy feel characterized by both bounce and snappiness, you can expect a lively typing sensation that's especially satisfying for both casual and competitive scenarios. In essence, your selection should align with whether you prioritize a smooth, balanced experience (Briny) or a responsive and vibrant feel with a distinct auditory feedback (V3 Cream Black Pro).
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