Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh the unique characteristics each option offers, as both the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Ink Box Pink present distinct experiences while retaining the linear switch profile. The Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches stand out with their beautiful translucent design and smoother, lighter typing feel, catering to users who prefer a quick and effortless keystroke. Unlike the Briny, the Ink Box Pink delivers a higher-pitched clack, which may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more acoustic feedback while typing. Ultimately, selecting between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile sensations; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches exhibit fundamental differences that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Briny uses a nylon housing for both the top and bottom, which is known for its softer texture. This construction helps to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Users often note that the nylon material helps create a more rounded auditory feedback when keys are pressed, making for a quieter and more subdued experience compared to harder plastics. The classic use of nylon in the Briny provides a consistent sound and feel that resonates well with those who prefer a more muted keypress.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend housing that aims for a distinctly different auditory character. The top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink are designed to elicit a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This sharper acoustic feedback can create a more dynamic typing experience, offering an appealing contrast to the Briny's muted tones. The INK blend material, being relatively harder than nylon, contributes to the pointed sound profile that highlights the higher frequencies during key release, which is particularly sought after by enthusiasts who enjoy an expressive and lively typing sensation.

Although both switches incorporate different sound profiles attributed to their distinct housing materials, they can still produce satisfying results for different user preferences. For instance, while the Briny delivers a deeper sound for those who prefer a more subdued auditory response, the Ink Box Pink caters to those who enjoy a sharper, more pronounced typing experience. If one were to combine the qualities of both switches in a custom build, it’s possible to achieve a balanced typing sound by strategically mixing key switches according to personal preference—utilizing the warmer, fuller tones of the nylon Briny for static keys, while using the clacky Ink Box Pink for more frequently pressed keys to spice up the auditory feedback during usage.

Weight

Both the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches feature the same actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing them both as having a medium weight. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, allowing for a balanced feel that combines ease of actuation with sufficient resistance during bottoming out. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, both options should suffice, as they provide a consistent actuation and bottom-out experience. Conversely, those who enjoy a more tactile feedback may find that even medium weight serves their needs adequately. Overall, with identical force specifications, these switches will yield comparable performance in practice, catering to a wide range of user preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch are identical, measuring 3.6 mm each. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same physical distance traveled, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation feel across both switches. Consequently, for those seeking a consistent typing experience, either switch will provide the same travel distance results, allowing for comparable performance in gameplay or typing scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. This switch is designed to minimize noise without sacrificing the tactile feedback that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts value. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched and clacky sound, which adds a lively touch to every keystroke. Its higher-pitched clackiness can create a more vibrant and engaging typing atmosphere, catering to those who enjoy a sharper auditory response when typing.

When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is known for providing a pleasant typing experience, though specifics on its tactile qualities are somewhat less defined. In comparison, the Ink Box Pink excels in delivering a silky and polished feel, contributing to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This refined experience minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches are crafted to offer enjoyable keyboard interactions, yet the Ink Box Pink clearly stands out for its emphasis on smoothness and overall feel.

In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they bring unique strengths to the table. The Briny offers a more neutral and balanced auditory profile, which might appeal to users seeking a quieter experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Pink provides an engaging and refined typing feel, enhanced by its distinctively high-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and typing sensations, but both switches are designed to deliver enjoyable and satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a solid typing experience that lends itself to a more nuanced acoustic environment, the Briny would be the ideal choice. Its design emphasizes a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, ensuring a satisfying resistance without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more refined typing sensation and enjoy a brighter, more high-pitched clack with every keypress, the Ink Box Pink would serve you well. Its silky and polished feel means that you can expect a seamless typing experience, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, assess which attributes resonate more with your typing style and preferences; whether that’s the balanced acoustics of the Briny or the crisp, smooth experience offered by the Ink Box Pink.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more