Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Briny, recognized for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a linear response characterized by a smooth keystroke and a balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and quiet operation, like gamers and typists seeking unimpeded key travel. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its prominent tactile bump and louder, bass-heavy sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch, often preferred by typists who appreciate the auditory and physical confirmation of their key presses. Each switch brings unique qualities that cater to different needs, but 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, one of the most notable differences lies in the composition of their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only delivers a clearer and more resonant sound but also allows for a better visual appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucent nature. Thus, while both switches utilize different top housing materials that produce distinct sound profiles, the Briny's nylon top is tailored for those who prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience, whereas the V3 excels in delivering brightness and clarity.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from the same nylon material, resulting in a shared acoustic characteristic that influences their typing feel. The nylon bottom housing in both cases provides a consistent and warm auditory texture. This means that while the top housings create diverse sound profiles, the bottom housings retain a similar quality — enabling the switches to maintain a rich, deeper sound that users associate with nylon. Because both the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro use nylon in their bottom housings, they possess an acoustic consistency that can make the overall typing experience feel somewhat comparable, despite the differences initiated by the top housing.
In summary, the contrast between the Briny’s nylon top housing and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s polycarbonate top housing leads to divergent sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their deeper sound characteristics. The top housing predominantly influences the acoustic properties when a key is released, and thus the experience each switch offers is nuanced based on its specific housing materials. Users will find that the Briny caters more to those who appreciate a rich, muted sound, while the Akko V3’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and vibrancy, showing that even with limitations in material diversity, both switches can yield a satisfying experience when combined with the same nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Because the Briny is heavier in both metrics, it will feel more resistant and might lead to fatigue over long usage, while the lighter V3 Creamy Purple Pro allows for quicker, more effortless keystrokes. Therefore, if you value a lighter click feel for comfort during prolonged use, the Akko switch would be the preferred choice, whereas the Keygeek switch is more suited for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro comes in at 3.0 mm. This means that the Briny switch has a longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced depth when pressing down, which some users may find more satisfying. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely to provide quicker response times, appealing to gamers who prioritize speed in their actions. While both switches cater to different preferences—depth versus responsiveness—the variation in their travel distances underscores the diverse needs of keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that allows for a smooth typing experience without being overly intrusive. The sound it generates is more muted compared to the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, which is known for its pronounced auditory presence. The Creamy Purple Pro emits a loud sound signature characterized by a deeper, bassier pitch, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a more assertive auditory feedback when typing. Importantly, the final sound experience can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard, mounting style, and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Its construction with an UPE stem ensures that key presses are fluid and uninterrupted, making it ideal for users who prefer a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a large tactile bump that delivers a notable resistance at the actuation point, giving typists a clear indication of when their keypress has registered. This tactile response can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy the sensation of feeling each keystroke as they type.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny offers a more subdued sound and a fluid typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth keystroke. Conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed for users who enjoy louder feedback and a pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory presence and tactile feedback or prefer a more restrained and seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Briny may be your go-to choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced feel, making it suitable for longer typing sessions where you desire minimal resistance. Additionally, the Briny's balanced sound profile is ideal for environments where you want to maintain a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a lighter touch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro with its 50 grams bottom-out force would be more suited to you. This switch's invigorating tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience, especially during gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Moreover, its bassier sound signature adds a lively auditory element that many enthusiasts find appealing. In essence, choosing the right switch comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth linear experience or a tactile sensation with a more pronounced sound.
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