Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear switches in this realm are the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Mint. The Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, crafted with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an appealing option for those seeking a harmonious auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing sensation, characterized by its long pole stem that produces a distinct "poppy thockiness," complemented by a light and fleeting feel. While the Briny leans towards a balanced acoustic experience, the Mint emphasizes a unique tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. As you weigh your options, consider what aspects matter most to your typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Mint, a distinct contrast arises from their top housings. The Keygeek Briny features a nylon top housing, known for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that provides a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and tends to produce a sharp, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate can enhance aesthetic value, especially when RGB lighting is involved, creating a visually striking effect. The differences in material lead to varying sound characteristics—while one creates a rounded tone, the other offers a crisp resonance.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Mint utilize nylon, making this component a shared characteristic. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to both switches by offering a deeper and fuller feel during typing. This commonality means that while the auditory experience differs when a key is pressed or released—for instance, due to the contrasting top housing materials—the tactile sensation and bottom-out sound are consistent across both models. The sound profiles from the bottoms will remain rich and subdued, regardless of the materials used for the tops, thus creating a level of compatibility in overall typing experiences amidst differing sound signatures.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch yields unique results. The Briny's nylon top and bottom create a cohesive sound profile, emphasizing warmth and depth, while the Mint's distinct polycarbonate top enables a clearer sound when a key is released. However, the identical nylon bottom in both switches ensures that users will still enjoy a familiar tactile sensation. This interplay between the different materials highlights how variations in top housing can dramatically affect auditory results, while the bottom housing maintains a consistent foundation for the typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the KTT Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming would likely find the Mint more comfortable, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate toward the Briny. Overall, the Mint offers a less demanding typing experience while the Briny provides a more substantial feedback during keystrokes. Therefore, the Keygeek Briny switch is the heavier option, while the KTT Mint is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Briny offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive feel, allowing for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Mint's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and hearty experience, catering to those who enjoy a deeper key press. While both switches have their merits, if you seek swift response times, the Briny's shorter distance may suit your needs better, whereas the Mint will offer a more expansive feel with its longer travel.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Keygeek Briny and KTT Mint linear switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is renowned for its balanced sound profile, which tends to be more neutral and adaptable to various environments. In contrast, the Mint features a low-pitched sound that carries a bass-heavy, mellow tone, providing a different auditory experience. This switch is specifically noted for its poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, which adds depth to the sound when typing. Consequently, while both switches aim for a pleasant acoustic experience, the Mint's sound profile presents a more pronounced character, whereas the Briny offers versatility thanks to its neutrality.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Briny switch tends to lean towards providing a specific sensory quality that isn't detailed in the provided information but is generally expected to be smooth, given the linear switch type. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is explicitly characterized as offering a mild typing experience, making it more approachable for users who prefer gentle actuation without harshness. Additionally, the Mint is described as polished, which signifies a refined typing experience resulting from its smooth finish, potentially enhanced by factory lubing or the materials used. Together, these features suggest a tactile experience that prioritizes smoothness and comfort, appealing to those who value a sleek typing action.
Overall, while both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Mint switches cater to fans of linear switches, they present unique qualities that may appeal to different users. The Briny offers a balanced sound profile that adapts easily to various settings, while the Mint's distinct low-pitched and thocky sound, combined with its mild and polished feel, creates an engaging typing experience. Users seeking a versatile switch may appreciate the Briny's neutral qualities, while those looking for a more textured auditory sensation could find joy in the Mint's pronounced attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typical usage scenarios. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience that still provides a balanced sound profile, the Briny, with its 60-gram bottom-out force and construction featuring an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, would be the better fit. This switch yields a refreshing auditory experience while typing, which may appeal to you if you enjoy a more “traditional” sound while being productive or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing feel characterized by smoothness and a unique poppy thockiness, then the KTT Mint, with its 53-gram bottom-out force and long pole stem, would likely suit your needs better. The Mint's low-pitched, neutral sound profile contributes to a flexible typing experience that's ideal for extensive keyboard work, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Therefore, assess your typing style – opting for the Briny if you favor a medium resistance and balanced sound or choosing the Mint if you desire a gentle, polished typing experience combined with a lighter touch.
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