Keygeek Briny vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Ice both stand out as premium linear options, each with their unique attributes and advantages. The Briny, crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that caters to those who appreciate a more muted typing experience. Its design emphasizes consistency and reliability, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a quieter setting. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches are distinguished by their stunning crystal-clear transparent design, which not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also produces a clacky, feathery feel that feels smooth and responsive. Ideal for gamers and casual users alike, the Ice switches offer a satisfying bottom-out sound, which can enhance the tactile satisfaction during fast-paced gaming sessions or daily typing tasks. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences, but 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Ice, it becomes apparent that they utilize different plastics for both the top and bottom housings. The Keygeek Briny employs nylon for both of its housings, which is known for its softer, more absorbent properties. This softer material not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing but also results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice incorporates polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate also enhances the clarity of sound, resulting in a crisper typing experience, particularly beneficial for setups that emphasize RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.
While the Keygeek Briny's nylon housing creates a deeper sound profile, the TTC Ice's polycarbonate design ensures a higher-pitched keystroke. This distinction extends to how each switch feels during typing. With the Briny, the softness of nylon means a quieter, more subdued key release, while the Ice's stiffer polycarbonate allows for a notable clickier response. This differentiation is evident during usage; the Briny's switch might appeal to users seeking a softer tactile sensation, whereas the Ice's attributes cater to those looking for a sharper auditory feedback and a more dynamic typing feel.
However, there is a common thread in that both switches aim to provide a distinct typing experience through their choice of materials. Although the Briny aims for a rounded acoustic profile with nylon housing, and the Ice achieves a crisper sound with polycarbonate, both can deliver satisfying results tailored to user preferences. When using these switches, each material's characteristics will influence the resulting sound and feel; for example, results can still be harmonious even if the individual sound profiles differ. Those invested in both switches could find delight in analyzing how acoustics vary from one to the other, as well as how personal typing styles can adapt to the different auditory landscapes.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain consistent. The Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Ice switch, making the Briny a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides uniform feedback upon fully pressing the key. This means that even though the Ice switch is lighter in actuation, users will experience the same resistance when bottoming out, resulting in similar overall typing experiences in that regard. For those desiring a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming, the TTC Ice would be the preferable option, while the Briny would cater to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This means that users pressing either switch will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will provide comparable results in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. Therefore, whether you choose the Briny or the Ice, you can expect the same travel distance and a consistent feel when typing or gaming.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced resonance, thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing. This composition allows it to produce a smooth and consistent sound that isn’t overly pronounced or distracting, making it well-suited for both quiet environments and more lively atmospheres. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch delivers a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and percussive nature. The Ice's sound can be described as crisp and bright, providing an engaging auditory experience that many users find appealing. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound of these switches will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch's specific qualities are not explicitly detailed, leaving some ambiguity in its tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch is noted for its feathery feel, which simplifies typing with its light actuation force. This design minimizes finger fatigue, allowing for prolonged usage without discomfort, making it an excellent choice for long gaming sessions, schoolwork, or professional tasks. The sensitivity of the Ice switch offers a responsive experience, ensuring that each keystroke is registered with minimal effort.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and TTC Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Briny provides a balanced sound profile that leans towards a smoother acoustic experience, whereas the Ice switch excels with its clacky and engaging sound along with a notably light touch. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying experience, though the differences may guide you towards one switch over the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Ice linear switches, consider what type of experience you prioritize in your typing or gaming setup. If you prefer a balanced sound profile and a solid build quality with materials like UPE and PA66, then the Briny switch may be the more suitable choice for you. This switch is ideal if you seek an overall reliable typing experience for work or gaming without any specific extremes in sound or feel. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a clacky auditory feedback with a bright and snappy sound, as well as an exceptionally light touch that can significantly enhance comfort during long sessions, the TTC Ice switch will likely serve you better. Its feathery action minimizes finger fatigue, making it particularly appealing for those hours spent on gaming or typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a more balanced or a more dynamic, responsive typing experience.
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