Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and Gateron New North Pole V2 stand out as two appealing options within the linear switch category, each offering distinct characteristics that may cater to different user preferences. The Briny, crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 improves upon its predecessor by eliminating the rubber dampener, which results in a crisper typing experience while preserving its signature frictionless glide. While the Briny offers a harmonious blend of sound and touch, the New North Pole V2 is ideal for those who prioritize a smoother keypress with a creamier feel. Both switches are excellent choices depending on whether you seek a balanced acoustic profile or an ultra-smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron New North Pole V2 present a compelling contrast that impacts both sound profile and overall typing experience. The Briny features a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder audio profile that many typists find satisfying. In stark contrast, the New North Pole V2 incorporates polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a stiffer plastic that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This key distinction generates a crisper audio experience, with polycarbonate enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke.
Additionally, the aesthetic properties of the housing materials highlight their differences. The Briny’s nylon housing presents a more muted appearance, aligning with its focus on delivering a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the New North Pole V2 offers a translucent quality that not only enhances its visual appeal but is particularly advantageous for those using RGB lighting. This translucency allows the light to pass through more effectively, showcasing vibrant colors and patterns, which adds another layer of customization for users who want both function and style. Thus, while the Briny leans towards a classic design with a sound-centric approach, the New North Pole V2 prioritizes modern aesthetics and sound clarity.
When considering the impact of mixed materials on the overall typing experience, the differences are significant yet complementary. If both houses were made from the same material, the resulting sound profile would converge toward the characteristics of that single material. However, because the Briny incorporates nylon and the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate, the divergence in sound profiles will manifest distinctly during use. The nylon housings will soften both the bottom-out and release sound, thus creating a more rounded experience, while the polycarbonate housings will enhance the clarity and pitch of the keystrokes, especially noticeable during the release. Therefore, users can expect different auditory experiences influenced by their choice of switch housing materials, ultimately catering to varied preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, which means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing the keys to register a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Briny requiring 60 grams and the New North Pole V2 needing 62.5 grams to fully bottom out. This indicates that while both switches are relatively similar in terms of their actuation force, the Briny is slightly lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the New North Pole V2, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel when bottoming out. Thus, while both switches share the same actuation force, their bottom out differences cater to varying preferences for typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Briny switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 measures 4 mm. This difference means that the Briny switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel that could be favored by users who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences; those who prefer a snappier response might lean towards the Briny, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keystroke will likely opt for the New North Pole V2.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a well-balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination gives it a pleasant acoustic quality that sits comfortably between overly muted and excessively loud, making it suitable for a range of environments without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener, resulting in a sharper auditory feedback that contrasts with the Briny's more balanced tone. Overall, while both switches aim for a linear sound experience, the Briny leans towards a more subdued sound, whereas the New North Pole V2 provides a more pronounced acoustic signature.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny is less described, which makes it more challenging to define its tactile characteristics. However, the Gateron New North Pole V2 excels in this area, offering a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Users can expect smooth key travel and minimal resistance, contributing to an effortless typing session. This refined sensation is associated with either high-quality materials or effective factory lubing, resulting in a sleek and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. In summary, the New North Pole V2 delivers a very smooth and luxurious feel, standing in contrast to the less defined tactile feedback of the Briny.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches present unique sound and feel profiles appealing to different users. While the Briny offers a balanced sound and an undefined tactile feel, the New North Pole V2 brings forth a crisp auditory feedback paired with a notably smooth, polished, and frictionless experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile sensation, each switch has its merits, but if you’re seeking an exciting typing feel, the New North Pole V2 is likely the better choice, whereas the Briny may be more suited for those who prefer a more neutral auditory presence.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you prioritize a balanced sound profile and a comfortable medium actuation force, the Briny may be the ideal fit for you, especially if you value a typing experience characterized by a pleasant, even tone. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more polished and creamy typing sensation, where smoothness and minimal friction are paramount, the New North Pole V2 could be your best bet. Its frictionless feel enhances the effortless glide, making it perfect for those who type fast and want a switch that keeps up without unnecessary resistance. Ultimately, your ideal switch will hinge on whether you prefer a balanced sound and feel with the Briny or the crisper, more refined, and frictionless typing experience offered by the New North Pole V2.
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