Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options stand out: the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Lunar Probe, both distinguished linear switches. The Briny, built with an UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who seek a pleasant acoustic environment while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe introduces a novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses, along with an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that enhances the overall tactile experience. While both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, the Briny may appeal to users who value sound balance, whereas the Lunar Probe is perfect for enthusiasts seeking fluidity and reliability. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Lunar Probe utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, with the Briny featuring nylon and the Lunar Probe made from polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Briny contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound effectively. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature, which creates a more resonant noise when the key is released. This fundamental difference in materials not only affects the auditory experience of each switch but also reflects the aesthetic choices involved; the Briny’s nylon has a more muted appearance while the translucent polycarbonate of the Lunar Probe highlights RGB lighting capabilities.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Briny and the Lunar Probe. This consistency means that while the top housings provide opposing sound profiles, the bottom housings ensure a similar experience when it comes to the sound and feel during the act of bottoming out. The nylon material retains the characteristic sound absorption properties that yield a deep, rounded sound when the key is fully pressed down, thus creating a cohesive auditory experience across different phases of key activation. As such, the performance of the switches becomes a blend of distinct top housing behaviors while being anchored by the uniform nature of the nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials between the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Lunar Probe create pronounced differences in their audible feedback, while the shared nylon in the bottom housing leads to comparable feelings at the moment of bottoming out. This design choice allows users to experience both unique and familiar attributes in each switch. If users prioritize sound profile variations, the Briny’s nylon top and Lunar Probe’s polycarbonate top provide distinct choices, while the nylon bottoms ensure that the impact at the end of a keystroke retains a similar sonic quality in both switches. Consequently, both switches can cater to diverse preferences in typing experience while maintaining certain consistencies through shared materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, notable differences can be observed 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 feel that provides some resistance, which can be appealing for users preferring a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Briny is the heavier option of the two, catering to users who appreciate a firmer feedback with each keystroke, while the Lunar Probe's lighter forces support more prolonged use with less finger fatigue. Overall, if you're looking for a more robust and substantial typing experience, the Keygeek Briny would be the better choice; however, if lightweight and extended typing comfort is your priority, the Gateron Lunar Probe comes out on top.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same key travel length, resulting in a similar tactile experience. As both switches have the same travel distance, those looking for a consistent typing experience across different switches can confidently choose between them without worrying about variations in key travel performance.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, which makes it versatile across different setups. This quality ensures that the acoustics are pleasant, potentially making it suitable for both quiet office environments and more casual settings. In comparison, the Gateron Lunar Probe excels with a subtle sound signature stemming from its smooth and pre-lubed action. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Briny leans more toward a well-rounded sound, whereas the Lunar Probe provides a more understated auditory presence. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying acoustic results, influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
Feelwise, the Briny is renowned for its smooth actuation, largely thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, which create a pleasant typing experience. This makes it desirable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe also boasts an incredibly smooth linear action, bolstered by Gateron’s novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. While both switches ride the wave of smoothness and offer pleasant tactile feedback, the Lunar Probe may provide a slight edge in stability.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches have their unique strengths in sound and feel. The Briny provides a balanced auditory experience, making it versatile for various users, while the Lunar Probe shines with a more refined and subtle sound profile. When it comes to feel, both switches deliver smoothness, with the Lunar Probe's dual rail design potentially offering additional stability. Ultimately, you'll find that both switches can cater to a similar typing and gaming experience, allowing users to choose based on personal preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and appreciate a balanced sound profile along with a unique tactile sensation from the UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, the Briny may be a better fit for you. It's designed for those who enjoy a little more resistance and who prefer a more pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Gateron Lunar Probe is ideal for a smoother, more effortless typing experience, thanks to its novel dual rail mechanism that delivers stability with every keystroke. If you're looking for something pre-lubed that provides a subtle sound with a silkier feel, the Lunar Probe could enhance your overall experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with your tactile preferences, typing habits, and the overall sound characteristics you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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