Keygeek Briny vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider the unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences and typing styles. The Keygeek Briny is a linear switch, celebrated for its balanced sound profile and smooth keypresses, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience and minimal resistance when bottoming out, making it great for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out as a tactile switch with a sharp tactile bump that provides a more engaging typing experience. Its distinct combination of PBT housing and strong sensory feedback from both the downstroke and upstroke makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate pronounced tactile responses. While the Briny offers a sleek, uninterrupted keystroke, the Moyu Black immerses users in a dynamic tactile journey. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches differ significantly in their housing materials, leading to distinctive sound profiles during typing. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded sound that creates a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs PBT for both the top and bottom housings, which is less common in switch construction. PBT is known for providing a balanced sound profile that avoids extremes—neither too crisp nor too dull—offering a neutral auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material choice means that the Briny emphasizes richness in sound, while the Moyu opts for a more neutral basis.
When considering the impact of these materials on the typing experience, the nylon used in the Briny’s housing contributes to a pronounced sound and a softer feel. This is indicative of nylon's sound absorption qualities, which help to dampen the noise produced upon actuating and bottoming out, fostering an environment that is easier on the ears. Conversely, the PBT used in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) creates a typing feel that is comparatively more balanced. It does not add the same depth or fullness that nylon offers; instead, it maintains a steady sound that arguably caters to a different user preference. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings in each switch type lead to diverse sound experiences that hinge on these material differences.
Despite their dissimilar traits, both the Briny and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) bring unique advantages to the table. If one were to utilize both switches within the same keyboard without isolation, a careful arrangement of the haptic feedback and sound profiles could allow for a coherent typing experience. The deep sound of the Briny could blend with the neutral tones of the Moyu Black, yielding a hybrid typing experience that capitalizes on the strengths of both housing materials. In this way, users could achieve an interesting balance that plays on the varying acoustic characteristics inherent in nylon and PBT, offering something unique that may appeal to a range of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams. This similarity in actuation force means that users will experience a similar effort when triggering keystrokes, making both switches manageable for long typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Briny at 60 grams and the Moyu Black at 67 grams. This indicates that while both switches have a medium actuation force, the Moyu Black offers a heavier overall experience when bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Consequently, the Briny can be considered the lighter option, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use, while the Moyu Black caters to those who enjoy a firmer pushback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, the Briny features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference highlights the preferences of different types of users: gamers who favor the quicker and more responsive feel of the Briny might find the shorter travel advantageous for faster reaction times. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial feel with added depth might prefer the Moyu Black due to its traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Thus, if you're looking for quicker responses, the Keygeek Briny is the better option, whereas the Everglide Moyu Black offers a richer tactile experience due to its longer travel distance.
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 Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 offers a balanced sound profile that is designed to provide a seamless and smooth auditory experience while typing. The sound here is understated and refined, catering to those who prefer a quieter keyboard without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) presents a resonant sound profile that is higher-pitched and clean, characterized by a snappy and punchy sound during key presses. This sharp auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more impactful and engaging.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Briny switch provides a smooth linear action without the tactile bumps typically found in tactile switches, allowing for uninterrupted gliding and fluidity with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) excels in delivering a unique tactile experience. It features a prominent tactile bump on the downstroke, accompanied by an even sharper upstroke bump that creates a hypertactile sensation. This makes the Moyu Black feel quite sharp and accentuated, providing high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress, making for a more engaging typing interaction.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced sound and a smooth typing feel, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a more tactile experience with audibly engaging feedback and pronounced key press sensations, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will satisfy that craving. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing preferences—if you lean towards a smoother yet quieter experience, go for the Briny; if you enjoy a sharper tactile feel with a more resonant auditory experience, the Moyu Blacks are the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience with a balanced sound profile, the Briny might be the better option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience for extended periods without causing undue strain. On the other hand, if you crave a more dynamic and tactile feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is tailored for you. With its medium-heavy 67 grams force, it offers a robust tactile bump and an impactful sound that can make each keystroke feel more engaging and responsive. The sharper tactile feedback of the Moyu Blacks will particularly appeal to those who enjoy a punchy typing experience with a resonant acoustic profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance you seek between sound, feel, and tactile engagement in your typing experience.
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