Keygeek Briny vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, especially when comparing two linear switches like the Keygeek Briny and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The Keygeek Briny, crafted with an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda, produced by KTT, offers a unique typing sensation with a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g that is incredibly finger-friendly, coupled with a crisp and clacky sound signature that provides audible feedback with every keystroke. Its extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy feel, enhancing the overall typing enjoyment. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinct attributes can influence your typing experience significantly. 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
42g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and PH Studio Jacaranda switches exemplify a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences the overall sound profiles. The Briny employs a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, crisper sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate reflects sound more efficiently, offering clarity and resonance. Essentially, while the Briny promises a warm and mellow typing experience, the Jacaranda leans towards a bright and lively sound, ideal for users who appreciate the acoustic nuances of their typing.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a fascinating synergy in sound quality. The nylon bottom housing in both cases contributes a similar deeper and fuller sound characteristic. Since both switches are designed with the same material for their bottoms, they share common auditory traits, especially regarding the bottoming-out sound and feel. This means that while users will experience contrasting sound profiles when pressing the switch down (thanks to the varying top materials), the bottom housing will harmonize their experiences by providing a consistent depth and richness during the actuation of both switches.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes evident how the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials shapes user experience. The combination of nylon in the bottom across both switches offers a coherent base that ties the two distinct top housing properties together. Although the Briny's nylon top yields a warmer sound, and the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top provides sharper auditory feedback, the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches maintain a foundational depth that is characteristic of nylon. Hence, even with differing sound profiles, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience by leveraging their similarities in bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Jacaranda is notably lighter, boasting an actuation force of just 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity indicates that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Jacaranda switch, as its lower forces reduce finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Briny, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial typing experience that might appeal to those who prefer a firmer response when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for weight and feel during use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Briny offers a bit more depth in its key press compared to the Jacaranda, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might gravitate towards the Jacaranda due to its marginally shorter travel distance, which can provide a faster actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a more pronounced key press, the Briny would be the better option, while the Jacaranda might be preferable for those seeking enhanced speed and agility in their keystrokes.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 auditory profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This balanced nature means the sound produced is neither overly muted nor excessively loud, providing a refined typing sound suitable for various environments. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch exhibits a more pronounced clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback with every keystroke. With its high-pitched resonant qualities, the Jacaranda delivers an immersive and engaging auditory experience that some users may prefer if they are looking for a more pronounced sound.
Looking at the feel of these switches, the Briny's tactile qualities are less specified, but it likely provides a smooth linear response, typical in linear switches. Meanwhile, the Jacaranda stands out with its silky texture that enhances smoothness during typing, effectively minimizing resistance at the keypress. The Jacaranda's gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, combined with the unique characteristics of its extended 22mm spring, contributes to a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is defined by its clacky, high-pitched resonance and silky feel. Users seeking a more refined and subdued sound may gravitate towards the Briny, while those preferring a sharper auditory feedback and a bouncier typing experience may find the Jacaranda to be the better option. Both switches will appeal to different preferences, ensuring that newcomers can find a suitable choice based on their desired sound and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-force switch that offers a balanced sound profile, the Briny may be more suitable for you. With its 60g bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile resistance that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you value a more subdued sound while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, more energetic keystroke, the Jacaranda, with its 45g bottom-out force and distinct clacky sound profile, could be the better option. This switch ensures a fatigue-free experience with its silky smooth feel and the unique bounciness that the extended spring provides, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with the Briny or the lively, crisp feedback of the Jacaranda; both switches have their merits that can cater to different tastes and needs.
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