Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that appeals to those who value a quieter typing experience for work or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out as a tactile switch, offering a delightful higher-pitched sound profile coupled with a satisfying tactile bump, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their typing sessions. While the Briny fosters a sense of fluidity ideal for rapid inputs, the Lavender Purple Pro adds an engaging tactile sensation that can enhance the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, it's clear that they exhibit distinct characteristics that influence the overall typing experience. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material’s softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounded sound quality. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The heightened stiffness of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize crisp feedback and articulate tactile sensations.
While the top housing materials differ significantly, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality: they are both made from nylon. This similarity means that both switches will provide a consistent, deeper, and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon’s sound-absorbing properties dominate this aspect of the typing experience. Hence, users of both switches can expect a duller bottom-out sound due to the nylon material, which enhances the overall softness and dampens any higher-frequency sounds that might interfere with the typing feel. This element creates a harmonious sound experience across both switches, emphasizing warmth and richness.
Overall, the interplay between the differing top housings and the matching bottom housings of the Keygeek Briny and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro results in a unique typing experience for each switch. With the Briny's nylon upper and lower components working in tandem, users benefit from a consistently rounded sound. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top paired with a nylon bottom produces a hybrid acoustic signature. The combination allows the V3 to resonate more vividly while still retaining the enriched qualities of nylon in the lower housing. Ultimately, each switch caters to different auditory preferences while ensuring that the bottom-out impact remains similar for both, allowing for user enjoyment of tactile feedback whether one prefers a crisp or a fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium weight, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that if you're looking for a lighter typing experience that facilitates longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Briny may provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Briny switch is the heavier of the two.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. If you're drawn to quicker response times suitable for gaming, the Briny's shorter travel distance could enhance your performance by allowing for faster key actuations. Conversely, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance which some users might prefer for its increased depth and more tactile feedback, creating a more substantial feel during use. Therefore, while both switches can cater to specific preferences, the Keygeek Briny is better for those prioritizing speed, while the Akko switch suits those desiring a more pronounced typing experience.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 is noted for its balanced sound profile, which suggests a harmonious blend that might appeal to users looking for a neutral auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcases a higher-pitched sound profile, along with a satisfying tactile bump that adds an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This higher pitch could provide a more pronounced acoustic signature that stands out, especially during rapid key presses. Both switches' sound experiences can, however, be significantly influenced by the type of keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, meaning that enthusiasm for one over the other may shift based on personal setup choices.
In feel, the Keygeek Briny exhibits qualities that have not been directly described, leaving its tactile sensation somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a rich tactile experience characterized by its "medium tactile" feedback that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. The bouncy nature of the Lavender Purple Pro provides a lively typing experience, enhancing its responsiveness with snappy feedback that encourages quick typing. Additionally, the refined finish of the Lavender Purple Pro suggests a smooth operation, likely leading to reduced friction and an overall polished typing experience. Such tactile nuances could make the typing experience distinctly vibrant compared to the Briny, whose specific tactile characteristics remain unspecified.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch is prized for its balanced sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more distinct auditory signature with its higher pitch and tactile bump. When it comes to feel, the Briny's characteristics are less defined, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation, whereas the Lavender Purple Pro delivers a dynamic and polished sensation, making it more engaging for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and the choice between them should align with what the user values most—be it sound, feel, or overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences in typing experience and the tactile feedback you desire. If you lean towards a smooth and balanced linear switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny is an excellent choice. It provides a refined typing experience characterized by a harmonious sound profile and a straightforward keystroke feel, making it ideal for uninterrupted, fluid typing, whether for gaming or writing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging tactile response without being overly pronounced, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is your best bet. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches present a delightful tactile bump combined with an accented sound profile, resulting in a lively and enjoyable typing experience. The bouncy and snappy nature of the Lavender Purple Pro enhances the sense of feedback, making it a great option for both gaming and typing tasks where you appreciate a bit of texture and responsiveness. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a smooth, straightforward keypress or a more tactile and lively feel to elevate your typing enjoyment.
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