Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the comparison between the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Kang White highlights distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Briny, featuring an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a satisfying yet unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White stands out as an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, offering a dazzling typing sound along with remarkable smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating materials. While the Briny is ideal for those who prefer a harmonious typing experience that remains subtle, the Kang White appeals to those seeking a more vibrant auditory feedback combined with effortless keystrokes. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Kang White, a fundamental difference emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature not only enhances clarity and resonance but also offers an aesthetically pleasing translucency that benefits RGB lighting setups. Thus, while both switches aim for high sound performance, they achieve it through different materials that cater to distinct auditory preferences.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, both the Briny and the Kang White share a commonality—both feature nylon as their bottom housing material. As with the Briny's top housing, the nylon bottom promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience. Since this material is softer, it excels at absorbing sound and dampening the keystroke experiences, resulting in a muted bottom-out sound that could be pleasant for users looking for a quieter typing experience. This shared aspect of their design suggests that users will experience similar sound characteristics from the bottom housing, regardless of the differentiation in the top housing materials.
The interaction between the two types of housings contributes significantly to the overall typing experience. In the case of the Briny, the nylon top and bottom combination ensures a more uniform auditory signature that prioritizes warmth and fullness. The Kang White, on the other hand, blends a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom to produce a unique sound dynamic. The bottom housing's nylon contributes to a muted keystroke, while the polycarbonate top adds brightness during key release. Consequently, despite their differences, users can still achieve a compelling blend of sound profiles from both switches, with distinct auditory results during key presses and releases. Whether one seeks a richer sound with the Briny or a crisper feedback from the Kang White, the materials collectively influence the end-user experience in complementary yet contrasting ways.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we can observe some noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Kang White requires a slightly lighter 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Kang White the lighter switch, which could be advantageous for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions at work or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Briny again takes the lead with a force of 60 grams compared to the Kang White's 58 grams. Both switches exhibit a medium force classification, suggesting that they cater to similar user preferences but with subtle distinctions. Thus, if you're seeking a lighter touch, the KTT Kang White would be the better choice, while the Keygeek Briny may appeal to those who favor a slightly firmer push feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch differ in their travel distances, making them suited for different preferences in typing feel. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Kang White's 4 mm travel distance. This means that the Briny can provide a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Kang White’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, offering a less abrupt experience. Ultimately, if you're seeking a swift response, the Briny's shorter distance is advantageous; however, if you prefer a more traditional feel with deeper engagement, the KTT Kang White might be the better choice.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This balance means that users can expect a sound that isn’t overwhelmingly loud or distracting, making it versatile for both home and office settings. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound, which is bass-heavy and provides a mellow auditory experience. Additionally, the Kang White’s sound can be described as neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. The perception of sound can also vary based on the keyboard build and keycap materials chosen, but overall, both switches cater to users looking for smoother and more controlled audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is well-regarded for its tactile response, though specifics weren't mentioned in the information provided. The KTT Kang White linear switch, notably made from self-lubricating materials, offers an unparalleled smooth typing experience, eliminating friction and enhancing overall fluidity during use. This contrast suggests that while the Briny may provide a pleasant typing experience, the Kang White is specially designed to ensure not only smooth actuation but potentially superior responsiveness, particularly during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Kang White linear switches have appealing auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Briny excels with its balanced sound profile, making it a solid choice for a variety of environments, while the Kang White impresses with its deep, mellow sound and exceptional smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. Users seeking a rich auditory experience may lean towards the Kang White, while those desiring versatility in sound may find the Briny perfectly adequate. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages that can lead to satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel. If you are looking for a balanced sound experience and appreciate a moderately firm actuation force, the Briny switch is an excellent option. Its UPE stem and PA66 housing provide a refined and well-rounded sound that suits a variety of environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic auditory experience, the Kang White switch stands out with its low-pitched, bass-heavy sound that can be both exhilarating and satisfying. Additionally, the self-lubricating material of the Kang White enhances its smoothness, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes and might engage in intense typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a more balanced and neutral acoustic profile with the Briny, or the vibrant and smooth characteristics of the Kang White, which may provide a more engaging typing experience.