Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Briny, characterized by its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, provides a balanced sound profile that many users find appealing for its deep yet muted tones, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro excels with its fully polycarbonate construction, delivering a brighter and more pronounced chirpy sound signature. This unique material blend contributes to a silky smooth typing feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively and polished auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, drawing users to either the subtlety of the Briny or the vibrant character of the Crystal Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it's evident that both switches leverage different plastic types for their construction, leading to distinctive auditory experiences. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a typing experience that feels rounded, providing a muted resonance that many users appreciate for its comforting acoustics. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic, creating a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This material reflects sound waves more effectively, leading to a clear and resonant auditory experience. Thus, while the Briny’s housing tends to produce warmer tones, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper sound, making them unique in their acoustic signatures.
The bottoms of the switches mirror the qualities found in their respective tops, with the Briny using nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the V3 Crystal Pro opts for polycarbonate in both positions as well. This consistency in materials for each switch significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound. For instance, the nylon bottom housing of the Briny complements its top, further deepening the overall sound experience and providing a cohesive response during use. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro supports its top housing’s clarity and resonance, resulting in a typing experience that is sharp and dynamic. Thus, both switches uphold an internal synergy with their respective materials, enhancing the user’s experience depending on the acoustic characteristics they prefer.
Ultimately, if one were to mix the two types of housing materials by using the Briny’s nylon and the V3 Crystal Pro’s polycarbonate for a switch, the resulting sound profile would embody a blend of both qualities. The nylon would soften the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate, creating a unique typing experience that balances depth and clarity. This hybrid approach would allow users to enjoy a blend of tones, where the more rounded sound provided by the nylon might temper the crispness of the polycarbonate. Whether one chose to stick with the distinctive profiles of the Briny or the V3 Crystal Pro, the impact each housing material has on the typing experience and sound dynamics would ultimately guide their preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the V3 Crystal Pro is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Briny requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke than the V3 Crystal Pro, making it a better choice for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that they feel equally substantial when pressed all the way down. This consistent bottom out force across both switches suggests that regardless of the actuation force difference, users will experience similar resistance at the bottom of the keystroke. In summary, for those who favor a lighter touch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro may be the preferred option, while the Keygeek Briny might suit those who appreciate a heavier feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference makes the Briny the shorter travel option, which may cater to users seeking quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers who favor faster key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the V3 Crystal Pro due to its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Keygeek Briny is ideal for users looking for a snappy experience, whereas the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a more deliberate and traditional typing sensation.
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 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile due to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, likely resulting in a more muted, stable acoustic output. This can provide a pleasant typing experience without additional noise distractions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches produce a bright and chirpy sound that has a unique squeaking quality. This characteristic gives the V3 Crystal Pro a distinct auditory signature, making it more lively and prominent compared to the more subdued Briny.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch maintains a linear experience that is smooth, though specific descriptions of its tactile sensations are unavailable. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro delivers a combination of bouncy and polished characteristics. The bouncy feel offers a spring-like feedback upon key presses, providing a lively typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish enhances this sensation, ensuring a refined and smooth travel that minimizes friction and promotes effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switches provide unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Briny's balanced sound and smooth feel may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional typing experience, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro's bright sound and bouncy, polished feel are ideal for users looking for an engaging and responsive typing style. Together, they represent the diverse options available within the realm of linear switches, allowing users to select according to their personal tastes in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch should be guided by your specific preferences for sound and feel while typing. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile with a medium bottom-out force, the Briny switch may be suitable for your typing needs, especially if you prefer a more subdued acoustic experience and a reliable, consistent key feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a livelier typing experience characterized by a bright, chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is the better option. Its fully polycarbonate construction enhances both the sound and tactile feedback, delivering a silky smooth typing action that many users find engaging. Ultimately, assess whether you prioritize a balanced sound with a traditional feel or a dynamic, spirited typing experience, and let that guide your decision between these two excellent linear switches.
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