Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red

Overview

When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Briny is celebrated for its unique construction, featuring a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing that yields a well-balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory subtleties while typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is designed to offer a budget-friendly option without compromising performance; with a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a favorable balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances any RGB lighting setup, creating an eye-catching aesthetic that many users find appealing. While both switches provide smooth and enjoyable typing, their distinct characteristics cater to varying preferences in sound and lighting effects. 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

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, the distinction in their top housing materials is particularly telling. The Briny features a top housing made of nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This gives the typing experience a more muted, rounded sound profile that appeals to users looking for a softer auditory feedback. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, a material that is stiffer and contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clear, resonant quality makes polycarbonate ideal for RGB setups, allowing light to pass through brightly. Users might find that their auditory experience significantly varies between the two switches due to these materials, with the Briny's nylon producing a warm, plush sound and the G Pro 3.0 Red providing more of a lively, energetic auditory feedback.

Both switches, however, have identical bottom housings made from nylon, which lends some commonality to their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the tactile feedback and the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. This shared material gives both switches that characteristic deeper and more rounded sound upon actuation, aligning the tactile experiences to some degree. Even though the top housing material diverges, the consistency in the bottom housing’s nylon ensures that users will still experience a familiar and comforting dullness when the key is fully pressed down. This blending of materials results in a distinctive yet cohesive typing experience across both models.

In summary, while the Keygeek Briny and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red differ in their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—their identical nylon bottom housings create a bridge of similarity in user experience. Users will find that while they may prefer the characteristic sounds elicited by each switch's top housing, the shared nylon material underneath contributes to a more uniform tactile feedback during key presses. Essentially, this means that even if the overall acoustic profiles differ due to their respective top materials, both switches will still deliver a solid performance thanks to the familiarities established by their nylon-based bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more comfortable for long-term use. On the other hand, the Briny provides a heavier push, offering a more substantial feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, if you seek a lighter option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is the ideal choice, while the Keygeek Briny caters to those looking for a medium-weight typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered more traditional and offers a deeper feel. For gamers seeking responsiveness, the Briny's shorter travel distance may provide quicker actuation, enhancing performance in fast-paced scenarios. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may find the G Pro 3.0 Red's longer travel distance more satisfying, as it offers a more pronounced feedback. Thus, users choosing between these two switches should consider their personal preference for depth versus speed in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This design generally leads to a pleasant auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too soft, allowing for a versatile performance in different environments. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch features a medium-high pitch sound that is described as neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases, whether at home or in a professional setting. While both switches have their unique tonal qualities, the Briny offers a more balanced sound, while the G Pro Red skews slightly towards a brighter auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects.

When it comes to feel, the Briny's characteristics are not explicitly detailed, but it is expected to deliver a pleasant tactile experience given its high-quality materials. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing sensation, which creates a smooth and buttery experience. This is often attributed to factory lubrication or the materials employed in the switch. Furthermore, the G Pro Red is mild and polished, indicating a user-friendly experience that caters to both newcomers and experienced typists alike. This combination creates an approachable feel that makes it easy to type for extended periods without discomfort.

Overall, both the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offer distinct advantages in sound and feel. The Briny's balanced sound profile stands in contrast to the G Pro Red's brighter, more vibrant qualities. Meanwhile, the G Pro Red excels in providing a creamy and silky typing experience, which is a decisive factor for many users looking for comfort. Ultimately, if you are seeking a harmonious typing experience, you may find the Briny a suitable choice, whereas those prioritizing a smooth and refined operation may gravitate towards the G Pro Red. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a satisfying performance, tailored to your specific typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium resistance level and a more balanced sound profile, the Keygeek Briny could be the ideal choice for you. Its sturdiness at a bottom-out force of 60 grams may suit you well if you find lighter switches to be too sensitive and prefer a slightly more purposeful keystroke. This switch's refined auditory quality can add a distinctive touch to your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for environments where sound matters, or for users who enjoy a bit of character in their keyboard's acoustics.

Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter actuation feel and prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is your go-to option. With a low bottom-out force of 50 grams, this switch excels in delivering a quick and effortless typing experience, which can be advantageous during extensive typing sessions or gaming marathons. The creamy feel and improved RGB lighting capabilities can also enhance your overall setup aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for diverse settings, allowing you to use it confidently at home, work, or in public spaces. Ultimately, understanding your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard will guide you to the best switch choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more