Keygeek Briny vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out as compelling options in the linear category, each offering a distinct experience. The Keygeek Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. This makes the Briny particularly appealing for those seeking a more subdued typing experience in office or shared environments. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 introduces a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, brought to life by Haimu's craftsmanship. This switch not only promises a silky, seamless typing experience but also features a unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, adding vibrancy to your keyboard setup and captivating gamers and typists alike. While both switches excel in their own right, their differing sound profiles and tactile experiences cater to varying preferences among users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it becomes clear that they represent two distinct philosophies in switch design, with the Briny utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housings while the Lightning Silver V3 opts for polycarbonate in both. The nylon housing of the Briny is celebrated for producing a deeper and more resonant sound profile, which is attributed to its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a warmer typing sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's use of polycarbonate promotes a sharper, crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, appealing to those who favor a brighter auditory feedback when typing.
The differences in housing materials also impact the aesthetic appeal and practical functionality of each switch. Polycarbonate’s inherent translucency not only allows for improved RGB lighting effects, but it also enhances the switch's visual appeal. As a clear material often associated with modern switch designs, it invites an additional layer of customization and illumination, fostering a visually stimulating typing environment. Conversely, the nylon used in the Briny retains a more muted aesthetic, which might appeal to users who prefer a minimalist or classic look. This distinction highlights the importance of the material choice in not just performance, but also in the overall user experience, whether it be auditory or visual.
Despite these differences, the nature of switch construction suggests that both the Briny and Lightning Silver V3 can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit in varying styles. Since the bottom housing's material tends to dictate the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the unique qualities of each housing material will combine to create different auditory profiles throughout the typing process. Thus, even with disparate materials, users can achieve satisfactory sound output: the Briny delivers a cohesive, round sound profile while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a brighter, more articulated sound. Ultimately, personal preferences will dictate which switch serves a particular user best, while each material brings its own flair to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, both exhibit a comparable bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that they provide similar resistance when pressed completely down. However, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Briny requiring 50 grams to register a keystroke, while the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly lighter 48 grams. This distinction means that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter feel, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Briny's actuation force caters to those who seek a slightly more substantial push, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a bit more weight in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out as the lighter option due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For users seeking a snappier response, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance, potentially allowing for quicker key presses favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Briny's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a fuller, more substantial feel, which may be more satisfying for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Consequently, users must weigh their preferences for responsiveness versus depth when choosing between these two switches.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch presents a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where a subtlety in sound is desired. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, characterized by crisp and snappy auditory feedback that can add an engaging dynamic to typing. The sharper, more pronounced acoustics of the Lightning Silver V3 make it stand out, particularly for those who enjoy a more vibrant and infectious typing sound. However, it's worth mentioning that the overall sound experience can still vary depending on other factors, such as the choice of keyboard, board materials, and keycap profile.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Briny provides a smooth and controlled typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more refined touch. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is designed to deliver a silky, seamless typing experience that enhances fluidity during fast-paced typing, which could appeal to gamers and typists who thrive on a more responsive tactile sensation. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Briny leaning towards a classic smoothness whereas the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a snappier tactile response.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound and a smooth typing feel, appealing to users who value subtlety and control. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 brings a distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a silky typing experience, making it suited for users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback and fluid key presses. Your choice ultimately depends on personal preference—whether you lean towards a more understated approach with the Briny or seek the lively interaction provided by the Lightning Silver V3.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of auditory feedback you value. If you seek a balanced sound profile for a more subdued yet satisfying typing experience, the Briny is the way to go; its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a comfortable feel without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that brings excitement and a brighter sound to your keyboard setup, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging, especially if you enjoy the percussive auditory feedback during your keystrokes. Plus, with its unique light diffuser feature, the Lightning Silver V3 enhances RGB illumination, making it a great pick for visually vibrant setups. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prioritize a more refined and balanced auditory experience with the Briny or a lively and expressive one with the Lightning Silver V3.
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