Keygeek Briny vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, provides a smooth keystroke with a balanced sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches bring a sense of subtlety to the table, characterized by their gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched, subdued audio, which appeals to those who enjoy feeling a light bump with each keystroke while maintaining a relatively quiet environment. While the Briny's linear design promotes fluid and uninterrupted typing, the MX Brown's tactile feedback enhances typing accuracy and a satisfying sensation under the fingers. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Cherry MX Brown switches share a significant similarity in that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing due to its ability to absorb sound effectively, which contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. This softness compared to harder plastics results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more satisfying for users who prefer a quieter keyboard environment. As a result, when typing on either the Briny or the MX Brown, users can expect a sound that is less harsh and more subdued, enhancing the overall comfort during long typing sessions.

While the materials used in both switches are identical, their contributions to the sound and feel of the switch are nuanced. The top housing, made of nylon in both models, largely influences the sound produced when keys are released, allowing for a certain smoothness upon key release. The bottom housing, also made of nylon, is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Therefore, even though the materials are the same, users may perceive subtle differences in the typing experience based on how these individual parts interact during key presses.

Ultimately, despite both the Keygeek Briny and the Cherry MX Brown utilizing the same nylon material for their housings, the characteristics provided by the housing structure ensure that the overall typing experience is influenced collectively by both the top and bottom housings. Consequently, while users may get similar sound profiles from both switches due to the nylon construction, they might find unique tactile sensations stemming from how the softness of the material is perceived differently across these two designs. Thus, whether one opts for the Briny or the MX Brown, they can expect a satisfying auditory and tactile experience shaped by the effective use of nylon as a core element in their respective designs.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, offering distinct typing experiences. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it within the medium-light range. This means that typists who prefer a lighter feel for extended use or gaming will likely find the Cherry MX Brown more comfortable for longer sessions, while those who appreciate a firmer push might favor the Briny. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Briny are heavier than those of the MX Brown, thus providing different tactile and operational feedback suited to varying preferences between users.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that those who opt for the Briny switch will experience a slightly shorter travel distance, offering a quicker response time that many gamers appreciate for fast-paced action. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, with its deeper 4 mm travel, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a pronounced keypress experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Briny switch is the better choice; whereas, if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Brown will be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile, which ensures a smooth auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their bassy and low-pitched sound. This difference results in the MX Browns giving off a deeper, richer auditory feedback during key presses, contributing to a more pronounced sound that resonates with users who appreciate a fuller audio profile. However, it is essential to note that the final sound experience can be influenced by other factors such as keycap material and the keyboard design itself.

Regarding feel, the Briny linear switch offers a smooth typing experience that lacks the tactile bump, providing an uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtle tactile feedback, which some may describe as having a textured feel due to the gentle friction when pressing the keys. This tactile response can be appealing for those who enjoy a bit of resistance, enhancing the sensation of actuation without a major disruptive bump.

Overall, the Keygeek Briny and Cherry MX Brown switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Briny's balanced audio profile and smooth keystrokes make it ideal for users seeking a linear experience, while the MX Brown offers a tactile feel combined with deeper acoustic feedback, perfect for those who enjoy subtle interactions. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your preferences for auditory and tactile feedback during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Keygeek Briny linear switches and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you appreciate a smooth and consistent keystroke devoid of tactile bumps, the Briny, with its 60 grams bottom-out force, provides a balanced and satisfying linear experience, making it an excellent choice for gaming and extensive typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. Its sound profile, characterized as well-balanced, is particularly appealing if you prefer a less intrusive auditory experience compared to louder tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers tactile feedback without being overly noisy, the Cherry MX Brown should be your go-to. With a lighter 55 grams bottom-out force and a subtle tactile bounce, it caters perfectly to tasks that benefit from a gentle reminder of actuation, such as programming or typing lengthy documents. The basy and low-pitched sound can also create a richer acoustic environment, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper audio signature while typing. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your typing style—if you favor agility and silence, lean toward the Briny, whereas if you value tactile feedback with subdued sound, the MX Brown is your best option.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more