Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Cream Yellow stand out for different reasons, appealing to distinct typing preferences. The Briny, a linear switch, features a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to its smooth keypress and balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, classified as a tactile switch, offers a bump in its actuation that provides physical feedback to users, ideal for typists looking for a more engaging and interactive experience while typing or gaming. Each switch brings its own strengths: the Briny excels in a seamless feel suited for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes, while the Cream Yellow appeals with its tactile response that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches share notable similarities, specifically in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon as a primary material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that users typically appreciate. The inherent properties of nylon—its soft texture and sound-absorbing characteristics—create a unique typing experience that emphasizes a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing on either switch, as both are designed to optimize sound absorption and reduce acoustic harshness, enhancing overall pleasantness.

Despite the shared nylon composition, the impact of each housing on the typing feel and sound profile varies slightly due to their individual designs or manufacturing processes that may lead to subtle tonal differences. While both switches will produce a thrilling auditory feedback thanks to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, the Briny and Cream Yellow switches could exhibit unique acoustic nuances depending on additional factors such as the specific tolerances and the internal mechanisms at play. This differentiation could influence the bottom-out sound and feel, or the tonal quality experienced during the key release, marking a contrast between the two that thoughtful users may notice, even if the foundational material remains consistent.

In practical terms, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings essentially harmonizes the sound profile across the two switches, offering users similar results in auditory and tactile feedback despite potential minor variations. Users can anticipate a comparable experience in terms of sound dampening and key feedback, whether using the Briny or Cream Yellow switches. Hence, both switches can be seen as excellent options for typists seeking a soft, rich sound experience in their keyboards, making them appealing alternatives for those who value a pleasant auditory typing ambiance.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces are the same. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the lighter Cream Yellow only requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that users who prefer a softer touch will find the Cream Yellow to be more suitable for longer typing sessions. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when pressed fully down. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the heavier actuation of the Briny may be more satisfying, reinforcing the distinct preferences that users may have when choosing a switch: lighter for prolonged use versus heavier for a robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Briny offers a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. For those who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow might be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, gamers or individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Briny's deeper travel. Thus, while both switches serve different priorities, the Briny clearly caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it produces a balanced sound that is neither overly loud nor overly muted, making it suitable for various environments without causing disturbance. The mellow tonal character of this switch allows for a pleasant typing experience, especially when paired with the right keycaps. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have an established sound profile, but it is essential to acknowledge that sound production can also vary greatly depending on the keyboard and keycap combinations used, leading to an unpredictable auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Briny switch boasts a smooth linear action that allows for effortless keystrokes, ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps to interrupt their rhythm. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is tactile, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience by giving users feedback that confirms their keystroke. This difference in feel between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Briny appealing to users who favor a streamlined, uninterrupted sensation, while the Cream Yellow attracts those who appreciate tactile feedback.

Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preference for sound and feel. The Keygeek Briny's balanced sound profile and smooth linear action might appeal to those seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow's tactile feedback suits users fond of discernible response in their keystrokes, though its sound qualities remain less defined. Whichever switch you choose, factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material will also influence the final experience, ensuring some level of variability in both sound and feel across different setups.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, your decision ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound and feel during typing or gaming. If you favor a smooth and consistent keystroke with a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its construction with an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing translates to a satisfying and uniform typing experience, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. On the other hand, if you seek tactile feedback in your keystrokes without a specific sound characteristic, the Cream Yellow switch will serve you well. Despite having the same bottom-out force, its design lacks the defined sound profile offered by the Briny, making it more geared towards those who appreciate the feeling of tactile bumps while typing. In essence, choose the Briny for a smoother, quieter experience and the Cream Yellow if you enjoy the sensation of tactile resistance in your typing. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound quality or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more