Keygeek Briny vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and Haimu Neo White each present unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks in large part to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who value auditory experience and a harmonious keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White distinguishes itself with its medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance, providing a distinctive typing feel that many find appealing. The rare use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to an exceptionally smooth actuation, offering a satisfying touch for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience. While both switches are categorized as linear, their differing characteristics can significantly impact your typing dynamics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Haimu Neo White, a clear distinction arises between their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's nature as a softer plastic. This material is effective in absorbing sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound also thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances its appeal for RGB lighting designs, allowing for more vibrant illumination effects. Thus, while the Briny offers a more muted and rich sound, the Neo White presents a brighter and more pronounced audio characteristic.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, we notice they are similarly made of nylon, resulting in matching sound profiles. Both switches benefit from nylon's sound-dampening qualities, which absorb vibrations and create a deeper and fuller auditory experience upon actuation. This shared material enhances the sound quality created when the keys bottom out, making the tactile feedback smooth and consistent across both switch types. As a result, the bottom-out sound will be characterized by the rich, mellow tones typical of nylon, regardless of the different top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of varying top and bottom housing materials brings a unique dynamic to the overall acoustic profile of each switch. In the case of the Keygeek Briny, the nylon top and bottom housings harmonize to produce a warmer, rounder sound, while the Haimu Neo White pairs its polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom to create an intriguing contrast between high-pitched clarity and deep resonance. The outcome is that each switch can deliver a distinctive typing experience, even though they share common ground in certain aspects. Thus, while the tactile and acoustic profiles diverge between the two, there is a shared quality in the nylon bottoms that ties them together, ensuring that users will find comfort in the familiar texture and sound when pressing down on either switch.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range for both metrics. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, but its actuation force remains unspecified. This means that while the Briny is identifiable as a lighter switch based on its actuation force, the specific actuation force of the Neo White can't be compared directly. Nonetheless, since the bottom out force of the Neo White is slightly less than that of the Briny, it can be inferred that the Neo White may offer a lighter feel overall if its actuation force is also low. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Briny would be the better option given its known parameters. However, if the Neo White has an actuation force close to or lower than 50 grams, it might also appeal to those favoring a lighter switch. Conversely, for users seeking more substantial feedback from their switch, the Briny with its defined actuation force may provide a more satisfying experience, while the uncertainty surrounding the Neo White's actuation force leaves some ambiguity.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressed down, both switches have an identical distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable key feel and feedback when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. Consequently, if you're seeking a consistent tactile experience, both switches will deliver the same results in this regard, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch features a balanced sound profile that complements its design, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is characterized by its neutral sound, which pairs a moderate actuation force with a sound profile that is equally moderate. This neutrality ensures that they can easily fit into a variety of use cases, from casual typing to more intensive work scenarios. Overall, both switches provide a subtly enjoyable sound experience, although the Briny may lean towards a slightly more tailored acoustic signature due to its materials.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch is designed for a smooth typing experience with its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, offering an engaging tactile response that many typists appreciate. While the specific feel of the Briny is not detailed, its construction typically implies a clean and effective performance. Meanwhile, the Neo White switch is described as mild, presenting a gentle typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for most users. The slightly reduced total travel in the Neo White adds to this pleasant feel, making each keystroke smooth and satisfying. Both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, though the Briny may offer a more pronounced touch due to its specific design materials.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and Haimu Neo White linear switches present enjoyable characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Briny provides a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing experience, while the Neo White offers a neutral sound with a mild feel that caters to a wider audience. Ultimately, both switches can yield similar satisfaction but may resonate differently with users based on their unique preferences and the specific typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a balanced sound profile and a more traditional tactile experience, the Briny may be the way to go with its moderately weighted bottom out force of 60 grams that provides a satisfying but not overwhelming resistance. This makes it suitable if you plan to use your keyboard in a variety of environments, from gaming to office work, without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience, the Haimu Neo White might be your best fit. Its unique Ly stem and slightly reduced total travel offer an exceptionally smooth actuation that can enhance your typing efficiency, making it ideal for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. Additionally, the Neo White’s neutral sound profile supports versatility, fitting seamlessly into any environment, whether home or office. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs for sound, feel, and user experience, ensuring you choose a switch that complements your typing style and scenario best.
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