Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference can significantly influence typing experience, and two popular options, the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, illustrate this diversity well. The Keygeek Briny, known for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a linear switching experience characterized by a smooth keypress and a balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize fluidity and quiet operation. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide a tactile response that appeals to those who enjoy the classic keystroke feel. These switches incorporate a single-stage spring and offer a medium-heavy weight, catering to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a bit of feedback without being overwhelming. The Jupiter Browns' high-precision molds and effective backlight enhancements further add to their appeal. While the Briny champions a smooth typing experience, the Jupiter Brown emphasizes tactile feedback and tradition. However, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, we observe a fundamental difference in their top housings but a notable similarity in their bottom housings. The Briny utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This allows it to absorb sound better than tougher materials, resulting in a sound that's rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile because of the rigidity of the material. The translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal for those using RGB lighting, making it visually striking while also mechanically distinct in sound.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring that both offer a similar lower-end experience despite their differences in top materials. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as a softer tactile feedback when keys are pressed. This shared bottom housing allows for a more consistent experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, reinforcing that the fundamental tactile response can be similar even when the top housing material diverges significantly. Both switches highlight the comfort and sound-dampening qualities imparted by nylon, giving users a warm and muted auditory experience when pressing keys.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials results in nuanced auditory qualities, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a harmonious typing experience across both switches. For anyone exploring various switches, understanding how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can affect sound profiles and tactile sensations is key. While one may prefer the softer and rounder sounds of the Briny's nylon top, others could favor the more resonant and clearer tones of the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top. Nonetheless, the consistent nylon bottom means that the core typing feel remains comfortable and familiar, preserving some continuity for users transitioning between the two options.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, distinct 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, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions would find the Briny more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown, which delivers a stronger resistance. Overall, the Briny is more appropriate for those seeking comfort and ease during extended use, whereas the Jupiter Brown caters to individuals favoring a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, the Briny measures at 3.6 mm while the Jupiter Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keygeek Briny the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those who favor more responsive keystrokes due to the reduced distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users may find preferable for its satisfying depth and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you seek a quicker response time, the Briny would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke experience might lean towards the Jupiter Brown.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 produces a balanced sound profile due to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a smooth and consistent auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch combines traditional characteristics with modern design, yet its specific sound profile is not detailed. It’s important to note that sound can be influenced by the keyboard's build materials, the type of keycaps used, and the overall construction, which means both switches could potentially yield similar auditory results depending on these external factors.
Regarding feel, the Briny linear switch is known for delivering a smooth keystroke experience that allows for quick repetitions without tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's mild tactile sensation, polished feel, and stepped characteristics create a unique typing experience. The mild nature ensures comfort for a wide range of typists, while the polished quality enhances smoothness, reducing friction for effortless key travel. The stepped tactile feedback provides a distinct shift in feel during actuation, adding an interactive element that many users find satisfying.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch cater to different typing preferences. The Briny offers a balanced and smooth sound profile and a seamless feel, making it a great choice for those who favor linear switches. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown introduces mild tactile feedback and polished characteristics that create a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but each can deliver rewarding typing experiences when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Briny's balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams make it an ideal option for those who prioritize a subtle keystroke feel and want to minimize noise, which can be especially beneficial in shared environments or during late-night sessions. The Briny's UPE stem and PA66 housing contribute to its reputation for offering a refined, linear experience that appeals to linear switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the tactile responsiveness and a more traditional mechanical feel, the Jupiter Brown's medium-heavy 70-gram force and stepped tactile design provide a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for typists who appreciate a more pronounced tactile bump without being overwhelmingly harsh, and its polished finish adds to an overall comfortable typing experience. In summary, choose the Briny for its smoothness and quiet operation, and opt for the Jupiter Brown for a responsive, tactile sensation that enhances your typing feedback.
Mentioned in this article
