Keygeek Briny vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Gold Brown Pro illustrate the diverse preferences of users in the keyboard community. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who seek an uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that caters to those who appreciate nuanced feedback. With its gentle tactile bump, this switch allows users to feel their keystrokes without the distraction of an overly pronounced sound, making it ideal for focused work environments. Both switches serve unique user needs: the Briny for those who prefer speed and smoothness, and the Gold Brown Pro for those who desire a subtle feedback mechanism. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the TTC Gold Brown Pro present a fascinating comparison in terms of their housing materials, which in turn influences their overall acoustic profiles. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs sound, leading to a duller sound that's perceived as rounder, making for a typing experience that feels somewhat muted yet pleasant. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. This material, characterized by its stiffness, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The result is a typing experience that feels crisper and more resonant, appealing to users who prefer clear auditory feedback when typing. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a desirable choice for those who appreciate illuminated keyboards.
When considering the bottom housing of both switches, there is a noteworthy similarity that provides a cohesive experience across both models. The Briny and the Gold Brown Pro both employ nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is significant because the bottom housing fundamentally impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent sound experience upon key activation regardless of the differences presented in the top housing materials. This shared use of nylon facilitates a uniform tactile feel and acoustic consistency in the actuation phase of typing, despite the contrasting qualities observed in the top housing.
Overall, while the Keygeek Briny and TTC Gold Brown Pro exhibit different qualities in their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—the similarity in their bottom housings provides a satisfying linkage that allows users to enjoy a deeper sound experience upon bottoming out. This duality illustrates how different housing materials can yield unique sound profiles, yet still offer a coherent typing experience that some users may find particularly desirable. Whether one prefers the fuller, rounder tones of nylon or the sharp, resonant sounds of polycarbonate, both switches offer rich auditory experiences due to the careful selection of materials and their impact on acoustic behavior.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we find that they have distinct actuation forces but lack specific information for the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Briny is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro might appeal to users looking for a lighter touch, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use or long gaming sessions. However, since the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro remains unknown, we cannot draw direct comparisons in that regard; typically, lighter switches may have lower bottom out forces as well. Overall, the Briny is the heavier option, whereas the Gold Brown Pro is lighter, catering to users with different preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the Briny measures 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm. This means that for users prioritizing responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Briny's shorter travel distance may offer a better experience, particularly beneficial for gamers who seek swift reaction times. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth during typing, providing a tactile feedback that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and response.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 profile that likely ensures a smooth auditory experience without sharp peaks. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich auditory feedback upon keypress. While the Briny aims for unobtrusive smoothness, the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who appreciate a more resonant yet subtle experience, allowing typists to immerse themselves without being overly distracted. Overall, the Gold Brown Pro produces a softer sound signature, which is perfect for quieter environments, while the Briny's balanced nature ensures that typists can still enjoy a pleasing keystroke without excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch is smooth by nature, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out with its polished and silky typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro provides that gentle tactile bump that can be felt upon actuation, which makes it suitable for typists who prefer nuanced feedback. The feel of the Gold Brown Pro can be categorized as mild and subtle, giving a gentle resistance that's comfortable even for extended typing sessions. While the Briny offers a straightforward linear experience, the Gold Brown Pro’s stepped tactile feedback invites a more engaged typing experience, balancing between a smooth action and the satisfaction of a tactile response.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches provide unique sensory experiences appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny leans towards a smooth and unobtrusive profile, suitable for those who prefer a quieter and linear typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro invites users into a realm of subtle tactility and low-pitched resonance. For newcomers looking to explore mechanical switches, understanding how these switches contrast will help in selecting the one that best aligns with their typing preferences and the acoustic environment they’ll be in.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a smooth and consistent typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Briny linear switch might be your best option. Its moderate 60-gram bottom out force makes it suitable for both typing and gaming without overwhelming tactile feedback, allowing you to relish a fluid keystroke without distractions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more nuanced feedback experience while maintaining a low sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be a better fit. Its gentle tactile bump provides just enough feedback to keep you engaged without being obtrusive, making it ideal for quiet workspaces or prolonged typing sessions. The silky smoothness of the Gold Brown Pro enhances your overall comfort, particularly if you value a gentle and mild typing experience. In essence, opt for the Briny if you prioritize smoothness and consistency, whereas the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who appreciate subtlety and tactile feedback without the associated noise.
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