Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both cater to linear switch enthusiasts but offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. The Briny is revered for its balanced sound profile, crafted from an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it a reliable choice for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a smooth and muted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, part of Gateron's budget-friendly lineup, is designed for competitive gaming, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. This feature allows for lightning-fast responsiveness, enhancing in-game performance while also providing vibrant RGB lighting with a frosted diffuser. While the Briny may attract those who value a refined auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver targets gamers seeking swift action and budget-conscious options. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, significant differences emerge, particularly with regard to the materials used in their top housings. The Briny utilizes nylon for its top housing, which imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile to each keystroke. This is attributed to nylon's softer characteristics, which absorb sound and produce a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its louder resonance and clear sound quality. Thus, the choice of top housing materials directly affects the acoustic characteristics of these switches, leading to distinctly different typing experiences.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting a commonality that balances the overall sound profile of each switch. With both the Briny and the G Pro 3.0 Silver sharing this housing material, the deeper and rounder sound qualities associated with nylon would be present regardless of the differences in the top housing. Consequently, when bottoming out a key on either switch, users can expect a similarly deep sound experience due to the nylon material's absorption capabilities. This shared bottom housing allows for an interesting blending of sound profiles, allowing a user to appreciate the characteristics of nylon even in switches that otherwise produce contrasting top housing sounds.
Ultimately, the key difference in the typing experience between the two switches lies primarily within the top housing materials. The nylon of the Briny results in a softer sound profile paired with the bottom housing of nylon that supports a cohesive audio experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top creates a sharper auditory effect. The duality of these arrangements means that users will find unique sensations and sound signatures corresponding to each switch, emphasizing the overall impact that housing materials have on typing feel and acoustics. Despite the differing top housings, there remains consistency in the deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom—providing a shared foundation that makes both switches appealing to various typists.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, creating distinct typing experiences. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke and reaches a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Briny offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is more accommodating for extended use, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch during long typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the better choice, while the Briny caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, the two show a slight difference in their specifications. The Briny switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means the Briny switch provides a deeper feel when pressed down, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial key travel for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for less distance to travel before the switch actuates. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver will be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, the Briny switch would likely be more suited to your preferences.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced audio profile that is likely to appeal to users seeking a moderate auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with their bassy and low-pitched characteristics, producing a satisfying thocky sound during key presses. This depth and resonance make them particularly engaging for gaming, as the rich tones add an exhilarating element to the experience. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound will also depend on the keyboard's design, materials, and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Briny switch lacks a distinct description but is expected to provide a fluid keystroke experience typical of linear switches, which deliver a smooth typing action with no tactile bump or audible click. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are characterized as buttery and creamy, suggesting a particularly smooth and effortless typing sensation. This silky feel, possibly enhanced by factory lubrication, allows for fast key presses, making them ideal for competitive gaming scenarios where quick and responsive input is essential.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer appealing qualities, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Briny provides a balanced sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's deeper, thocky sound enhances the gaming experience. On the feel front, while the specifics for the Briny are vague, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed for a notably smooth and responsive keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver satisfying performance, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a balanced auditory experience or a more pronounced bassy sound along with a premium feel during fast-paced gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force of 60 grams that provides a satisfying and substantial typing experience, the Briny may be the right switch for you. Its sound is likely to give your keyboard a more refined and well-rounded auditory character, making it an excellent choice for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if your main focus is on gaming performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a lighter bottom-out force of only 50 grams, facilitating quicker key presses and rapid responses with its short travel distance of 3.4mm. This feature can provide a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios, alongside its low-pitched, thocky sound that contributes to an exhilarating auditory atmosphere. Moreover, its buttery and creamy feel enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor a smooth keystroke. By weighing these attributes against your personal preferences in both sound and feel, you can confidently choose the switch that best aligns with your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
