Keygeek Briny vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the Keygeek Briny and the Cherry MX Orange, both linear switches that offer unique characteristics appealing to different typing preferences. The Briny is celebrated for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is ideal for users seeking a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, now reissued with MX2A generation enhancements, revive the sought-after original MX Orange switches first created by Cherry's Japanese partner, Hirose. This line is aimed at those who appreciate a reliable and consistent tactile feel, ensuring a responsive typing experience. While both switches cater to users preferring linear action, they each bring their own distinctive qualities to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Cherry MX Orange both utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in similar acoustic profiles and typing experiences. The use of nylon—as highlighted in both switches—leads to a deeper and fuller sound that resonates while typing. This is primarily due to nylon's soft plastic characteristics, which allow the material to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, when users engage with either switch, they will likely notice a rich audio feedback characterized by a duller and rounder tonality, making both switches appealing for those seeking a muted sound landscape during typing sessions.
In addition to the acoustic properties, the similarities extend to the feel of the switches, as both the Briny and MX Orange feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings. As such, the overall experience while typing is consistent across both models. The bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing contributes to the sound produced during the release. The consistent material in both housings guarantees that users experience a continuity in sound and feel, enhancing typing comfort regardless of which switch they choose.
Interestingly, even if differences did arise in other components or designs of the bottom and top housings, the inherent properties of nylon would still play a critical role. Should the switches feature alterations in their construction, the nylon’s impact on sound absorption and the resulting tonal quality would remain prominent. Hence, while the Briny and MX Orange switches stand distinct in their overall design and branding, their shared use of nylon as a fundamental material ultimately leads to comparable auditory and tactile outcomes, ensuring satisfaction for typists who prioritize both sound and feel.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Briny requiring 50 grams and the MX Orange requiring 55 grams. This means that the Briny switch is lighter and may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous experience. In terms of the bottom out force, the Briny has a measurable force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown. The absence of a bottom out force for the MX Orange leaves some uncertainty about its tangible feel when pressed fully down. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Briny, while users who prefer a bit more resistance should consider the MX Orange, albeit without complete information on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Orange offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference highlights the Briny as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and more responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel of the MX Orange may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial, hearty feel with each keypress. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Briny is better suited for those who favor speed, whereas the MX Orange caters to individuals who enjoy depth in their typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 considering the sound profile of these switches, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced auditory experience thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This composition tends to produce a sound that is less harsh than traditional linear switches, making it suitable for quieter environments while still delivering satisfying acoustics when typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, reissued from their original designs, are characterized by a refined sound. While the specifics of the sound profile are not detailed, it is known that Cherry switches often deliver a deeper, more pronounced thock, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps, thereby creating an engaging acoustic experience. Keep in mind that the final sound produced by either switch can vary depending on the keyboard and the material of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Briny switch is noted for its smooth linear progression, allowing for a clean keystroke without any tactile bumps. This quality makes it appealing for those who favor a consistent pressing action without interruptions, ideal for fast typists or gamers who rely on fluid movements. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switches bring an element of nuance to the typing experience that may not be present in the Briny, given their historical context and intended audience. While specific descriptions of feel are limited, it’s reasonable to expect that the MX Orange switches may offer a tactile sensation that's reminiscent of a classic linear switch, providing a satisfying experience for both typing and gaming.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and Cherry MX Orange switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Briny excels in providing a balanced acoustic profile and smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for quieter settings, while the Cherry MX Orange brings a touch of nostalgia and a potential for richer sound feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your individual preferences for sound dynamics and typing feel, but in using them on the right setups, both can deliver enjoyable mechanical keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you prefer a switch with a medium actuation force of 60 grams that offers a balanced sound profile, the Briny might be your ideal choice. Its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing not only contribute to its satisfying sound but also provide a smooth and consistent feel, which can enhance your typing experience for both gaming and long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are leaning towards a switch known for its heritage and enhancement, the Cherry MX Orange switches may appeal to you. While their specific actuation force isn’t listed, the original MX Orange switches were designed to provide a unique tactile experience, which might suit you if you appreciate a nostalgic touch with added modern enhancements. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value a specific actuation force and sound profile over a classic, refined switch experience.
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