Keygeek Briny vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of different options, such as the Keygeek Briny and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Briny is renowned for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory harmony while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch excels in delivering an impeccably smooth tactile experience coupled with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who seek effortless keystrokes without the distraction of extraneous noise. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences; the Briny offers a favorable balance, while the Orange Sea emphasizes a silky typing feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer contrasting auditory experiences, primarily due to the difference in their top housing components. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is rooted in nylon's softer plastic composition, which is adept at sound absorption. As a result, typing on the Briny produces a sound that is duller and rounder, appealing to those who prefer a more muted auditory feedback while engaging with their keyboard. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance produced by polycarbonate are enhanced when the housing is clear, making it an excellent choice for users interested in RGB lighting effects. This fundamental difference in materials creates distinctive auditory experiences when engaging with both switches.
On the other hand, both the Keygeek Briny and Haimu Orange Sea share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a similar deep and full sound profile when keys bottom out. As nylon naturally absorbs sound, users can expect a consistency in the dull and rounded sound that results from pressing the keys down. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial in determining how the switch feels during typing, especially as the character of nylon contributes to a smooth bottom-out experience. Consequently, despite the variations in top housing materials, both switches offer a similar auditory experience courtesy of their shared nylon bottom.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the Keygeek Briny and Haimu Orange Sea lead to different auditory experiences, with nylon softening sound in the Briny and polycarbonate delivering clarity in the Orange Sea. However, the commonality in their nylon bottom housings marries these two experiences, allowing both switches to share a similar deep and resonant bottom-out sound. This juxtaposition emphasizes how housing materials can shape the user experience, both in sound and tactile feedback, while also underlining that even with differences, the essence of typing on each switch can nevertheless resonate similarly.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-force switch. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel during extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Briny is the heavier option, providing a more substantial tactile experience, while the Orange Sea is the lighter choice for those seeking ease and comfort. This difference in force may lead to varied experiences; users of the Briny may find satisfaction in the weightier feedback of their keystrokes, whereas users of the Orange Sea might appreciate the ease and reduced fatigue it offers over prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they have identical specifications in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and responsiveness from both switches, making them equivalent in performance regarding travel distance. As a result, users looking for a consistent feel in their key presses can confidently choose either switch, knowing that they will achieve the same travel distance and overall key response.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile largely attributed to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination creates a pleasant auditory experience that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch has a neutral sound signature, which means that while it strives for a more understated acoustics, it still maintains a level of smoothness that users often admire. Both switches can contribute to a similar overall experience, though the choice of board and keycaps will influence their individual sound characteristics.
When evaluating the feel of the two switches, the Briny is notable for its distinct qualities, though specific descriptors are not detailed here. The Haimu Orange Sea, in contrast, is characterized by an impeccably smooth touch, offering a seamless keystroke that is favored by those who appreciate an effortless typing experience. While the Briny’s feel might lend itself to a different tactile experience, both switches may offer satisfaction in their own unique ways depending on personal preference.
Overall, while the Keygeek Briny and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches differ in sound profiles and specific tactile sensations, they each cater to distinct preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Both can provide a pleasant typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to individual taste regarding sound and feel. If you're looking for a balanced audio profile, the Briny may suit you, while the Orange Sea might better serve those seeking a smoother touch and a more neutral sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your decision should largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a medium resistance and enjoy a balanced sound profile that offers a satisfying tactile sensation as you type, the Briny is likely the better choice for you. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides just the right amount of feedback for those who want a bit of heft and control in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter feel and an impeccably smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch might suit you better. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, it allows for quicker keystrokes and is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming without the strain of heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a balance of sound and feel, or a slick, effortless typing experience; each switch offers unique benefits that cater to distinct typing styles.
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