Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Deep Navy offer compelling features, despite being categorized within the linear switch family. The Briny is distinguished by its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a well-balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking a harmonious typing experience. On the other hand, the Deep Navy switch captivates with its full nylon construction and Ly stem, delivering a rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes that enhance both gaming and typing activities. While the Briny leans toward versatility and a more subdued acoustic footprint, the Deep Navy entices with its more pronounced auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Briny and the HMX Deep Navy share an interesting similarity in their housing materials, particularly with the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, admired for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a result of nylon's relatively softer plastic properties, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, both the Briny and the Deep Navy will elicit a similar auditory experience when typed on due to their identical housing compositions. Users can expect a rounded, softer sound while tapping away on either switch.

However, while both keyboards utilize nylon housing, their specific designs might influence the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the actuation and bottoming out of a key, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when keys are released. In scenarios where the two keyboards feature different characteristics in their internals or switch designs, a shift in tactile feedback might still occur. Such variations could lead to nuanced differences in how each keyboard feels to the user, even though they yield similar auditory results owing to their shared nylon composition.

Ultimately, the benefits of both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Deep Navy being constructed from nylon suggest users can expect not only audio similarities but also a consistent tactile experience. As the sound and feel are integral to the user's perception of any keyboard, this commonality is likely to appeal to typists who prioritize sound dynamics in their keyboard interactions. Thus, one can confidently anticipate enjoyable typing experiences with both models, despite potential differentiation in other elements of design or feel that may arise from their distinct configurations.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences arise in terms of weight and feel. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Deep Navy features a lighter design with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Deep Navy the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users seeking a more effortless typing experience during extended use, such as long gaming sessions or work-related tasks. Conversely, the Briny's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, while both switches can serve different typing preferences, the Keygeek Briny will feel more substantial while the HMX Deep Navy offers a lighter touch.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which indicates that users will experience the same amount of key travel as they press down on the keys. Since both switches have the same travel distance, this similarity means that both are likely to provide a comparable typing experience in terms of the depth with which the keys can be pressed. As a result, those who prefer the feel of one switch over the other may find that their preference is based on factors beyond just the travel distance, since the actuation mechanics will feel the same during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile, likely producing a sound that is neither overly loud nor too muted, making it suitable for both quiet environments and louder settings, depending on other factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material. The HMX Deep Navy linear switch, on the other hand, has a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction. This material typically produces a more pronounced acoustical signature, resulting in a potentially more resonant and satisfying auditory feedback during typing, again influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.

When examining feel, the Briny switch's UPE stem combined with its pure PA66 bottom housing offers a smooth keystroke that many users appreciate. Its design aims to provide a consistent typing experience without any noticeable scratchiness. In contrast, the Deep Navy linear switch, featuring a Ly stem, is noted for its silky smoothness with every keystroke. This can evoke a sense of luxury in typing, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless and fluid experience while tapping away at their keyboards.

Overall, both switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that may cater to different preferences. Users looking for a more balanced and versatile sound profile may gravitate towards the Briny, while those who seek a richer, sharper sound may prefer the Deep Navy. In terms of feel, both switches promise smooth performance, albeit with slight variations in characteristics that can influence the overall typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, both can deliver satisfying results, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can experience an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny and HMX Deep Navy linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and are looking for a balanced sound with a smooth yet stable keystroke, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its UPE stem and pure PA66 housing will provide a pleasant typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks where you need a bit of resistance to prevent accidental presses. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with just 45 grams of force and a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances your tactile experience, then the Deep Navy switches will serve you well. Constructed from full nylon and featuring the Ly stem, they will offer exceptional smoothness with every stroke, making them ideal for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. In essence, whether you lean towards the well-rounded performance of the Briny or the exquisite smoothness of the Deep Navy, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more