Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on typing style and sound profile. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth actuation and balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an ideal choice for gamers or users who appreciate uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a gentle yet noticeable tactile feedback, providing a rich typing experience without overwhelming the user. With its medium-light typing feel and neutral sound signature, the Mallo caters to typists seeking a blend of feedback and subtlety. Each switch comes with its distinct set of characteristics: the Briny for a seamless typing experience and the Mallo for a more deliberate tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Mallo switches, it is evident that they diverge in their choice of top housing materials, while they align with both featuring nylon for the bottom housing. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound and create a soundscape that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Mallo employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and more crisper sound. The inherently stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience, making each keystroke more defined. Thus, while the Briny may favor a warmer acoustic signature, the Mallo is inclined towards an energetic and high-frequency sound profile.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity ensures that both the Briny and Mallo will evoke a deep and fuller sound when bottoming out. The nylon used in both switches absorbs sound and prevents resonance, leading to a rounded bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, regardless of the sharpness produced by the Mallo's polycarbonate top, the profound qualities of the nylon bottom housing create a consistent acoustic experience across both switches during the actuation phase.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny and KTT Mallo switches differ in their top housing materials and, as a result, their tonal qualities, they share a common characteristic in their nylon bottom housing. This unity in bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying feel and sound when pressed down, regardless of the contrasting top housing outcomes. As a result, the overall auditory experience of either switch may still be enjoyable, with the Briny providing a more subdued sound and the Mallo offering a bright resonance, all while maintaining a solid foundation through their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Briny offers a more defined typing experience. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch that provides a solid resistance during typing. In contrast, the KTT Mallo has an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the Mallo switch is lighter overall, which may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as a lighter switch reduces finger fatigue. The Briny, with its heavier actuation force, caters to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing, offering a tactile experience that some might find more satisfying. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Briny is the heavier option, whereas the Mallo is the lighter of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, a noticeable difference arises. The Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience; those who prioritize rapid response times may gravitate towards the shorter Briny switch for its quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and fast typists. Conversely, the Mallo, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who enjoy a deeper feel when typing, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches should align with individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 features a balanced sound profile due to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it relatively unobtrusive during use. This balanced quality allows the switch to blend nicely into various typing environments without drawing too much attention, particularly suitable for those who prefer a more subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature that neither dominates nor fades into the background. It is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to many other switches while remaining audible. Together, both switches provide an amiable sound experience, ensuring comfort in a variety of settings, although the Briny leans slightly towards a balanced profile while the Mallo emphasizes a more muted presence.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch lacks a defined tactile description in the provided information, making it unclear how it compares directly. Contrasting this, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a range of characteristics: it’s feathery and mild, allowing for easy actuation and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. The mild feel of the Mallo promotes comfort, while its subtle resistance provides a noticeable tactile event without being overwhelming, thanks to its stepped nature. The combination of these qualities results in a gentle typing experience, which might be appealing to a broad audience, especially in work or gaming scenarios.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny offers a balanced sound profile that works well in various environments, the KTT Mallo stands out with its neutral and subdued auditory quality, providing flexibility for different settings. The feel of the Mallo is characterized by its light, mild actuation, fostering comfort during long typing sessions. The absence of specific feel descriptions for the Briny leaves a gap, making it harder to provide a full comparative analysis. For newcomers considering these switches, the Mallo’s qualities may better suit those looking for gentle tactile feedback, while the Briny can appeal to someone seeking a straightforward, quieter linear experience. Overall, both options cater to different preferences in typing experience, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch that offers a more pronounced keypress with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you are looking for a balanced sound profile that enhances your typing experience without being overwhelming. This can be particularly advantageous if you're into gaming or need that tactile feedback to improve your precision during long sessions. On the other hand, if you value a gentler typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and appreciate the subtle tactile feedback, the KTT Mallo would suit you better. Its feathery feel and neutral, subdued sound signature make it a perfect option for extended typing periods in more shared environments, as it offers comfort without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—are most critical to your typing style and environment, helping to guide you towards the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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