Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Blue present two distinct options that cater to different user preferences and typing experiences. The Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypress and balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience—ideal for both gaming and long writing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that offers tactile feedback with an audible 'click' upon actuation, appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel that comes with each keystroke. While the Briny may be the go-to for users desiring a seamless experience with minimal distractions, the Outemu Blue caters perfectly to those who thrive on auditory and tactile stimulation while they type. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Blue switches, a significant distinction lies in their top housings. The Briny employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is primarily due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which dampens sound waves and results in a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a clearer resonance, contributing to a higher-pitched auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the materials used in their top housings create fundamentally different auditory sensations when typing.
On the other hand, both the Keygeek Briny and Outemu Blue share the same bottom housing material — nylon. This commonality influences their bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon is known for its soft properties that further enhance deep and rounded acoustics. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar experience regarding the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down. This shared material lends a consistency in tactile feedback and sound depth in this aspect of the typing experience, making them comparable in terms of bottom housing characteristics.
In sum, while the Keygeek Briny and Outemu Blue switches diverge in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they converge at the bottom housing with both using nylon. This results in a shared deeper sound profile during key presses, while the differing top materials create unique auditory experiences when keys are released. Users looking for a more pronounced sound depth may gravitate toward the nylon top of the Briny, whereas those who prefer crispness and clarity might favor the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top. Ultimately, if one seeks to replicate results in terms of bottom-out sound, both switches deliver a similar tactile feel and a deep auditory quality.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we observe that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This similarity suggests that both switches will provide a similar feel in terms of how much force is required to register a keystroke, making them equally suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; the Briny has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown. This indicates that the Briny switch requires a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Blue switch, which may lead to a lighter overall typing experience if bottoming out is less of a concern. Consequently, the Briny is perceived as heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it potentially less suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, while the Blue switch offers a more consistent typing experience without the burden of a bottom out force to consider.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distances can significantly impact the user experience; those who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Briny's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, as it allows for faster actuation and less distance to travel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, some users appreciate the more pronounced feel of the Outemu Blue, which offers a traditional depth of 4 mm, potentially providing a more satisfying tactile feedback for typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference; if you enjoy the quicker, more responsive feel, the Briny is the better pick, while the Outemu Blue is ideal for those who favor a deeper, more deliberate key press.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 is best known for its balanced sound profile, thanks to the UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination allows for a quieter operation compared to more tactile or clicky switches, providing a smooth typing experience without distracting noise. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is renowned for its distinctive audible click with each keystroke, which can create a satisfying auditory feedback for typists who enjoy that sound. However, the overall sound delivery can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so both switches may yield different results depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, providing a sleek typing experience that many prefer for gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. The absence of tactile bumps enhances its smoothness, making it ideal for users looking for a frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch provides a tactile-only experience, characterized by a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This feedback can enhance typing accuracy and comfort for those who appreciate a more pronounced sensation under their fingers, especially when typing for extended periods.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny offers a quieter, smooth typing experience, while the Blue is celebrated for its loud clicky feedback and tactile feel. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a balanced auditory experience and smooth keystrokes or a pronounced tactile sensation with a distinct sound. Both can perform exceptionally well, but the choice boils down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, quiet typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides good feedback without being too heavy, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying click sound that comes with it, the Outemu Blue switch would be more aligned with your needs, especially if you appreciate the audio cues that help with your typing rhythm. The Briny's focus on smoothness and subdued sound makes it ideal for quieter environments, while the Blue adds a layer of auditory feedback that many find satisfying in a more lively setting. Ultimately, consider how these characteristics match with your typing habits and workspace to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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