Keygeek Briny vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Olive present two compelling yet distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that appeals to users who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. This makes it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a serene typing environment, such as writers or programmers. Conversely, the Bsun Olive, categorized as accented, invigorating, and sharp with its all-POM housing, offers medium-weight tactile feedback that many find engrossing. Its unique long pole stem design ensures a crisp bottom-out with a resonant audio experience that adds a layer of satisfaction to every key press, appealing to typists who enjoy a more engaging and responsive interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, while both switches have their merits, the choice between the Briny's seamless sound and the Olive's tactile dynamism boils down to personal preference. 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

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Olive switches reflect two distinct approaches to sound quality and typing experience, even though they both aim to create a satisfying auditory profile. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a well-regarded material in the switch community. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb sound effectively, thereby producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic comes from its ability to dampen vibrations, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic quality that typists often find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches feature POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both their top and bottom housings. Known for its durability and smooth feel, POM offers a sound profile that is also on the deeper side, but with a unique twist. It provides a muted sound that can feel distinct compared to nylon, suggesting an emphasis on a different tactile experience while maintaining a relatively harmonious auditory output.

Despite the differing materials, the impact each housing has on sound production and typing feel can yield similar results across both switch types, albeit in different ways. In the Briny switches, the nylon top housing contributes significantly to the sound profile when releasing keys, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out feel and sound upon pressing the key down. POM, on the other hand, has its own unique qualities; while it’s different from nylon, it still creates a subtle softness that can contribute to a more muted auditory experience. Essentially, while the mechanisms behind the sound may differ slightly due to material properties, both nylon and POM allow for a satisfying and deeper profile that typists appreciate, even if the exact auditory nuances vary.

Ultimately, both the Keygeek Briny and Bsun Olive switches provide appealing auditory experiences shaped by their respective materials. While they differ in material composition—nylon versus POM—both types of switches create a differentiated sound profile where the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key, and the bottom housing impacts the feel when pressing down. Shoppers can expect a full-bodied auditory experience from both options, with the Briny offering a more subdued sound through nylon absorption and the Olive providing a uniquely pleasant sound through POM's distinctive acoustics. This allows users to find satisfaction in both switch designs, whether they prefer the classic quality of nylon or the modern feel of POM.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Olive's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Briny may provide a more substantial typing experience, making it preferable for users who enjoy a firmer feel while typing. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Briny is 60 grams, compared to the Olive's 65 grams; thus, the Olive requires a greater force to bottom out. Consequently, while both switches fall into the medium and medium-heavy categories, the Briny is lighter in terms of actuation force, although the Olive has a slightly heavier overall feel due to its higher bottom out force. Users looking for a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may gravitate toward the Olive, while those who appreciate a firmer response may prefer the Briny.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Briny provides a bit more depth when pressed, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy a hearty feeling during keystrokes. In contrast, the Olive's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times, catering to a more responsive typing experience. While both switches fall below the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, their respective measurements highlight a subtle distinction: the Briny offers a longer travel distance compared to the Olive, providing users with a choice between depth and speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile. This quality can create a subtle auditory experience that isn’t overly pronounced, making it suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant, deep sound, setting it apart with a more robust auditory presence. The combination of their all-POM housings leads to a pronounced feedback that resonates clearly, adding to the satisfaction of each keystroke. While the Briny offers a calm experience, the Olive provides a deeper aural quality that can be more engaging during typing.

When considering the feel, the Briny's smooth linear action allows for a fluid typing experience without the tactile feedback. This can be appealing for those who prefer an uninterrupted keypress while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Olive excels with its medium-weight tactile feedback. Users will experience a pronounced bump with each actuation, which leads to an invigorating and snappy feel that is both responsive and immersive. The combination of its designed features, including the long pole stem, ensures that each press delivers a sharp and distinct tactile response, making it satisfying for those who enjoy a more interactive typing sensation.

Overall, the Keygeek Briny and Bsun Olive switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Briny suits users looking for a smooth, balanced sound and seamless typing experience, while the Olive is ideal for those who appreciate deep auditory feedback and invigorating tactile sensations. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit in different ways. Whether you favor a quieter, more linear feel or a pronounced tactile interaction with a richer sound, either option can meet your needs effectively.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Briny is an excellent choice with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and balanced sound profile from its UPE stem and PA66 housing. This makes it particularly well-suited for tasks that require extended typing sessions where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom force of 65 grams and a rich, resonant sound produced by its POM housings, the Olive provides a satisfying auditory and physical response. Its invigorating and snappy characteristics, combined with a sharp tactile bump, make it perfect for those who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. In summary, select the Briny for a smoother, quieter experience or the Olive for a more interactive and tactile feel, tailoring your keyboard to enhance your unique typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more