Keygeek Briny vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Grape Orange are two intriguing linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious blend between acoustics and performance, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Grape Orange switches impress with their ultra-light 40g actuation force, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience ideal for those who engage in extended writing sessions. While the Briny emphasizes a balanced auditory feedback, the Grape Orange prioritizes minimal effort and quick keystrokes. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on your needs, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Grape Orange switches, a noticeable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Briny utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sound that is muted and rounded. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a top housing made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances its sound clarity but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, where aesthetic lighting effects can be appreciated. These differing top housing materials give each switch its unique character, catering to varying preferences in sound profiles.

On the other hand, both the Briny and Grape Orange share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. As a result, both switches provide a consistent deeper and fuller sound experience when bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing effectively dampens sound through its soft structure, contributing to a similar tactile experience when pressing the keys. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in the feel and sound of a switch at the point of activation, users will find that this similarity leads to a comparable bottom-out sound across the two switches, despite the differing materials of the top housings. This shared characteristic allows for a coherent typing experience, granting users the familiar feel associated with nylon even amidst the contrasting sounds produced by the top housings.

Ultimately, the different materials impact how each switch performs overall, especially in terms of sound profile while typing. While the Briny's nylon top housing delivers a warmer and softer auditory experience, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisp and piercing sound. However, because both switches share nylon bottom housings, they harmonize in that aspect, producing a consistent basal auditory and tactile feedback. As such, the differences in top housing design lead to distinct sound profiles when typing, while the shared bottom housing allows for a consistent foundational feel, demonstrating how contrasting materials can influence performance in different ways yet still harmonize in key respects.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where less resistance can yield more comfort. While both switches serve the purpose of keystroke activation and provide tactile feedback, the Briny's heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter touch should gravitate toward the Grape Orange, whereas those valuing a firmer push may opt for the Briny.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, indicating that users can expect the same tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance ensures that the overall feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming will be similar for both switches. As a result, those who enjoy the Keygeek Briny will likely find the Huano Grape Orange equally satisfying, providing a consistent performance regardless of the switch chosen.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, which results in a gentle, pleasing acoustics during typing. This characteristic makes it suitable for users who prefer a more muted and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch is noted for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, but specifics about its sound profile are not provided. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by various external factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material, so users can expect nuanced differences depending on their configurations.

Regarding feel, the Briny switch’s UPE stem and pure PA66 housing contribute to a smooth keypress that provides both stability and a sense of assurance during use. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its incredibly light 40g actuation force, which translates to a very soft touch while typing that minimizes fatigue during extended use. This notable lightness and smoothness can make the Grape Orange particularly appealing for those who spend long hours at a keyboard or prefer a switch that doesn't require much force.

In summary, both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Briny provides a balanced auditory experience paired with a stable and smooth feel, making it a solid choice for users seeking a refined typing sound and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Grape Orange's ultra-light actuation force ensures a less taxing, effortless typing journey. Ultimately, since sound profiles can vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps, individuals may find that experimenting with different setups can yield complementary results, regardless of which switch they choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a more balanced sound profile along with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, which offers a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly harsh on your fingers, the Briny would be a great choice. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a slightly more pronounced feel while still being comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, if you want a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for long sessions where fatigue can be a concern, the Grape Orange is designed for you. With its ultra-low 40g actuation force, it allows for rapid keystrokes and is incredibly forgiving on the fingers, making it a perfect fit for anyone seeking a streamlined, fluid typing action. Therefore, consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard; whether you lean towards the satisfying heft of the Briny or the feather-light touch of the Grape Orange, either switch can significantly enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more