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Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro

An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to budget-conscious users while boasting a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound along with a creamy tactile feel—perfect for those who appreciate an auditory dimension to their keystrokes. While both switches offer their own unique advantages—be it the Briny's refined acoustics or the Cream Yellow Pro's engaging sound and responsive design—they each serve distinct preferences in the realm of tactile feedback and sound quality. 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

60g

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 spring

Housing materials

When comparing the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Briny features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The unique properties of these materials lead to distinct auditory experiences, making the Briny more suitable for users who prefer a warmer and more muffled sound, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who favor a clearer and more resonant auditory output.

However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This similarity means that typing on both switches will yield a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, regardless of the top housing material. The nylon bottom housing in both cases absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a duller and rounder sound that enhances the tactile feedback. As a result, while the auditory qualities of the top housings define the overall character of the switches, it’s the shared nylon bottom housing that provides a consistent deep sound experience when the switch bottoms out.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch results in a distinctive sound profile while sharing certain foundational attributes. While the Keygeek Briny boasts a warmer sound due to its nylon top housing, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivers a brighter sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. Despite these contrasts, the use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches ensures that users will experience a fullness in sound when typing. Therefore, regardless of the top housing material's impact, both switches maintain a common thread in their acoustic identity, allowing for an element of consistency amidst their differences.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch share identical specifications when it comes to both actuation force and bottom out force, with each switch requiring 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation sensitivity and overall feedback. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Briny and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would provide adequate comfort. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing would also find satisfaction in these switches, given their consistent force characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for brand or design rather than performance, as their force measurements are equivalent.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, the Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Briny switch provides a deeper keypress, which may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness and faster key actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a responsive feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better choice, while the Keygeek Briny would be suitable for those who favor a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.

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 Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.

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

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch stands out for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This configuration produces a more muted and refined auditory experience compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro, on the other hand, is characterized by a poppy, clacky sound that many enthusiasts find vibrant and engaging. This switch is designed to offer an enjoyable auditory experience right out of the box, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate a lively typing sound. However, it’s essential to remember that the acoustic characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny is known for its smooth key travel, which is typical of quality linear switches, providing a consistently comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as having several enticing qualities, including being easy-to-press, feathery, snappy, and polished. These descriptors suggest that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires minimal force to actuate, allowing for effortless typing, while its snappy response and polished finish enhance the overall tactile sensation. Users who enjoy a lively and less fatiguing typing experience may find the V3 Cream Yellow Pro particularly appealing.

In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a more balanced sound profile and consistent smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a vibrant auditory experience alongside a range of delightful tactile qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you're seeking a more muted, refined experience, the Briny may better suit your needs. However, if you prioritize a lively sound and light, responsive touch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be the ideal match for your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on what aspects of typing and sound you prioritize the most. If you prefer a balanced sound profile and a solid build, the Briny is an excellent option with its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams means it can provide a satisfying feedback without being too strenuous during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for affordable switches that deliver a lively auditory experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be the right fit for you. These switches are characterized by their poppy, clacky sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more vibrant and engaging typing experience. Moreover, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's easy-to-press and snappy characteristics can reduce finger fatigue, which is perfect for extended use like gaming or long work hours. Ultimately, consider what features matter most to you—whether it’s the refined, balanced feel of the Briny or the lively responsiveness of the Cream Yellow Pro—as both switches offer medium bottom-out force for a well-rounded typing experience.

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