Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct yet appealing choices for users seeking linear switches. The Briny, featuring an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet yet engaging typing feel that strikes a balance between discretion and comfort. These switches cater to users who require an unobtrusive typing experience, allowing for continuous productivity in professional settings. While both switches embody the qualities of linear feedback—lack of tactile bump and reduction of noise—their tailored designs address different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Mountain Top both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which leads to strikingly similar sound profiles in both models. Nylon is esteemed in the keyboard community for its capacity to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic not only results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing but also contributes to a more pleasant and rounded sound quality overall. As the two models share this common composition of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect comparable sound dampening effects and acoustic properties when engaged in typing.
Despite sharing the same material, the nuances in their designs can lead to slight variations in feel and sound depending on how the individual housings interact with the switch mechanism. For instance, while both the Briny and Mountain Top offer the benefits of nylon, the overall experience may differ slightly due to design differences in the housings that could affect the bottom-out feel and sound. When bottoming out a switch, the combined effects of the bottom housing's properties are crucial, as they heavily influence the tactile feedback and noise produced. Therefore, although they share a common material and resulting sound profile, slight dimensional or design variations can create different tactile experiences.
In contrast, should one switch utilize a different material for either the top or bottom housing, the sound profiles could diverge significantly due to the splitting of acoustic traits between the two components. For both the Briny and the Mountain Top, however, the homogeneity of nylon across all parts means that key presses will deliver a cohesive and consistent sound and feel. Thus, a user could interchange switches between the two models without sacrificing that familiar auditory experience, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of nylon in mechanical switch design.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, requiring more effort to register a keystroke than the Mountain Top's lighter 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Briny, as its heavier actuation force offers a firmer feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Briny is also higher at 60 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 50 grams. This reinforces the Briny switch's overall heavier characteristics. As a result, those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions would be better suited to the Gateron Mountain Top. In summary, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Briny offers a more robust typing experience while the Mountain Top caters to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you choose the Briny, you will experience a bit more depth in your keystrokes, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to users seeking faster response times, making it a more responsive option for gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preferences toward switch feel: the Briny provides a deeper, more deliberate experience, while the Mountain Top offers a quicker, more abrupt response.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch presents a balanced sound profile, striking a harmonious blend that generally caters to a variety of environments. This characteristic allows it to perform well in both work and leisure settings without being overly intrusive or distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed explicitly for quieter offices, providing a neutral sound signature that is subtly dampened to suit professional environments. While both switches are engineered to minimize disruption, users can expect the Briny to deliver a more versatile sound experience, making it suitable for personal use as well.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch does not have specific descriptors available, but it can be inferred that the balanced sound may accompany a balanced feel. The Mountain Top, however, shines in this area with its "bouncy" and "easy-to-press" qualities, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. The Mountain Top switch also offers a mild and snappy feel, making each keypress satisfying without requiring excessive effort. Its subtle nature further enhances the comfort during long typing sessions, making it particularly appealing for repetitive tasks in an office setting.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique attributes suited to different preferences and use cases. The Keygeek Briny linear switch emphasizes a more general and balanced auditory experience, appealing for varied environments. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch prioritizes quietness and comfort, particularly suited for professional contexts with its responsive and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual needs, one might choose the Briny for versatility or the Mountain Top for a focused office experience, but both can yield satisfactory results tailored to their intended environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a balanced sound profile with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Briny switch may be your best bet, particularly if you appreciate a more audible feedback while typing. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a solid, yet smooth experience—perfect for both focused work and casual typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Mountain Top switch with its 50-gram actuation force is designed for those who prioritize comfort and discreet operation, making it an excellent choice for a professional office setting. Its bouncy, snappy feel combined with a neutral sound profile enhances the typing experience while also minimizing noise, allowing you to type efficiently without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and whether you prioritize sound or a lighter actuation when making your choice.
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