Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and KTT Orange both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is widely appreciated for producing a balanced sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more muted auditory experience while typing, providing a subtle yet satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Orange Switch boasts a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm long spring and features like a polycarbonate milky top housing and a long pole POM stem. Known for its frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange stands out for users who prefer a more responsive and lively keypress. While both switches are linear and geared towards providing a smooth typing experience, their differing sound profiles and tactile qualities may resonate differently with users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the KTT Orange exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Briny features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon being a softer plastic. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in materials means that while the Briny delivers a rich and immersive typing experience, the Orange provides a more punchy and resonant feedback that appeals to users looking for clarity in sound.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches adds another layer of complexity to their sound profiles. The Briny's nylon bottom housing similarly enhances the overall depth of sound, making it a sought-after option for those who prefer a muffled and softer auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more articulate and snapping sensation during keystrokes. The choice of material directly influences how satisfying the bottom-out sound feels and sounds, with the Briny delivering a rounder experience and the Orange offering a stark, clear result. Understanding these differences enables users to select a switch that aligns more closely with their desired typing acoustics.
Ultimately, if both switches were to feature a combination of these materials, they could still achieve varying yet complementary sound profiles. A nylon top housing paired with a polycarbonate bottom housing would present a unique blend, with the plush sound of nylon counterbalanced by the crisper impact of polycarbonate. This dynamic could create a well-rounded typing experience that maximizes sound absorption while still delivering clarity at the bottom-out phase. Therefore, while the Keygeek Briny and KTT Orange adopt distinctly different approaches to their housing materials, each can be tailored to provide delightful auditory experiences based on the preferences of typists, demonstrating that material selection plays a pivotal role in user satisfaction.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch both offer unique typing experiences, particularly when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Orange is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Briny requires a stronger push compared to the Orange, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the lighter forces of the Orange can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Overall, the Briny is the heavier option, providing a firmer feedback, whereas the Orange is the lighter switch, catering to those who favor a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Briny measures 3.6 mm while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that while both switches offer relatively short travel distances that can cater to users looking for quicker response times—characteristic of modern gaming switches—the Briny provides a marginally deeper feel. For those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Briny may be the better choice, offering a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, if you prefer a snappier and more responsive feel, the KTT Orange, with its shorter travel distance, may better suit your needs. In summary, the Briny is the longer option at 3.6 mm, while the Orange, at 3.5 mm, provides a slightly shorter alternative.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Briny is known for producing a balanced sound profile. This suggests a well-rounded auditory experience that likely combines a harmonious resonance with an absence of sharp overtones. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy tone that creates a mellow auditory atmosphere. Both switches, however, will ultimately sound different depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which can influence their acoustic qualities.
In terms of feel, the Briny does not have a specific descriptor provided, leaving its tactile characteristics less defined. The KTT Orange, however, is designed to deliver a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Its 22mm long spring contributes to a lively and elastic feedback during key presses, allowing a pleasant rebound effect. Additionally, the excellent factory lubing on the Orange further enhances its smoothness, promoting a fluid key travel that minimizes any unwanted resistance.
Overall, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Orange linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Briny leans towards a balanced sound, while the Orange provides a low-pitched tone accompanied by a bouncy and ultra-smooth feel. While the specifics of the Briny's feel remain unknown, the differences in their sound and tactile feedback will guide users toward their preferences. When selecting between the two, it may ultimately come down to whether one prioritizes a balanced sound or a uniquely lively and frictionless feel in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a balanced sound profile, the Briny could be an excellent match for you, particularly if you prioritize a tinkling yet satisfying audible response during your typing. The UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing contribute to its overall feel, making it a reliable choice for both gaming and typing scenarios where a precise response is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a higher sense of bounciness and a notably smooth experience, the KTT Orange switch may be more suitable. Thanks to its low-pitched, factory-lubed nature, it not only enhances your typing experience with frictionless key travel but also adds an elastic feedback that keeps your fingers energized during long typing sessions. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the solid, consistent feel of the Briny or the lively, fluid action of the KTT Orange will depend on the tactile experience you value most in your keyboard.