Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Hibiscus offer distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that caters well to users seeking a smooth and consistent keystroke without any interruption. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a more subdued typing experience while still enjoying the responsive feel of a linear switch. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus captivates enthusiasts with its ultra-light actuation force and a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it stand out for users who appreciate an auditory and tactile thrill in their typing. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists alike who desire feedback and engagement in each keystroke. While both switches have their merits, they cater to different preferences, prompting potential users to consider their individual typing styles and priorities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
T3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and HMX Hibiscus share a noteworthy similarity in their choice of housing material, as both feature nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing sessions. The intrinsic properties of nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, play a pivotal role in this acoustic performance. It effectively absorbs sound waves better than harder plastics, leading to a warmer, more rounded sound that can enhance the user experience across both keyboard models. Thus, users of the Briny and Hibiscus can expect similar auditory benefits that stem from the nylon composition.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, the uniform use of nylon again suggests analogous qualities. Both the Briny and Hibiscus will deliver comparable bottom-out sounds and tactile experiences, which is essential for users who prioritize feedback and comfort during extended typing periods. As it is the bottom housing that influences the keystroke's final impact—how the key feels when pressed down—the consistent choice of nylon ensures that both models will perform similarly in this regard. The sound produced at the moment of bottoming out will resonate similarly, reinforcing a sense of coherence between the two keyboards.
In contrast, while both the Keygeek Briny and HMX Hibiscus utilize the same material for their switch housings, this doesn't mean they will feel or sound identical in practice. The dynamics of how the top and bottom housings interact can lead to subtle variances in sound and feel during key release. Given that the top housing largely influences the sound and sensation experienced when letting go of a key, the experience may still be unique to each model despite the identical material. Therefore, while both keyboards are grounded in the durability and acoustic features of nylon, the composite interaction of these elements could yield nuanced differences that may appeal to specific user preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Briny features a 50-gram actuation force and a 60-gram bottom out force, providing a medium-level resistance that some typists and gamers may appreciate for a substantial feel during use. In contrast, the Hibiscus is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a quicker, less physically demanding typing experience. As such, the Hibiscus would be better suited for long typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Briny's heavier resistance may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, while the Briny is the heavier of the two, resulting in very different tactile experiences despite both being linear switches.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Briny the longer of the two switches, providing a bit more depth in each keystroke. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may lean towards the Hibiscus due to its shorter travel distance, which could facilitate faster input. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their key presses might prefer the longer travel distance of the Briny. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar experience, with only a minimal difference in their travel distances, appealing to different preferences in keystroke responsiveness and depth.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch presents a balanced sound profile, making it versatile for both typing and gaming without being overly loud or intrusive. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch boasts a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This difference means that while the Briny can offer a more subdued experience suitable for quieter environments, the Hibiscus shines with a livelier and more pronounced acoustic appeal, perfect for those who appreciate a more dynamic sound when typing. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Briny offers a smooth experience that encourages a fluid typing motion, though specifics on its tactile feedback are not detailed. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch excels in providing a bouncy and feathery sensation. The bounciness adds a spring-like feedback, allowing fingers to feel an energetic rebound with each keypress, while the feathery nature minimizes effort, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This combination of tactile qualities makes the Hibiscus particularly appealing for users who prioritize comfort during extended use.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch delivers a balanced sound profile and a smooth feel, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a more reserved setup. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch stands out with its clacky sound and lively, light tactile feedback, catering to users who crave an engaging typing experience. Depending on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying option, though users seeking pronounced audio feedback and lightweight responsiveness may find the Hibiscus to be the more enjoyable choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny is a great choice, particularly for those who value a steady and controlled keystroke without overwhelming noise. This makes it a suitable option for office environments or quiet settings where noise might disturb others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter switch with an actuation force of just 48 grams, the Hibiscus offers exceptional smoothness and a bouncy, feathery feel that’s perfect for long typing sessions, gaming, or tasks that require rapid keystrokes. Moreover, the clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic. In summary, go for the Briny if you favor control and subtlety, whereas the Hibiscus is ideal for those who thrive on a lighter touch and vibrant feedback in their typing experience.
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