Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Dustproof Blue present two distinct yet appealing options for different types of users. The Briny, a linear switch featuring an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a quiet and efficient typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch that delivers a tactile and audible feedback with every keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy the nostalgic sound of mechanical typing while providing a satisfying sensation, perfect for both gaming and writing sessions. While the Briny offers a balanced sound profile ideal for quieter environments, the Outemu Dustproof Blue thrives on creating an engaging auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Dustproof Blue, we find a distinct contrast in their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder acoustics when typing. In stark contrast, the Dustproof Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference in material fundamentally changes the auditory feedback experienced while typing, as the polycarbonate's clarity creates a more pronounced resonance, particularly beneficial for users looking for more defined acoustic responses.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This contributes to their typing experience in a unified manner, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile from the base of the switch. The nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel, which is crucial for typists who prioritize tactile feedback. Since both models employ the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory and tactile foundation when pressing the keys, allowing those who appreciate a softer feel and sound to enjoy similar characteristics across both switches in this aspect.
Ultimately, the divergent materials used in the top housings can be seen as a defining feature. For users prioritizing the aesthetics of RGB lighting, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top provides a translucent quality that enhances illumination, potentially influencing purchasing decisions based on desired visual effects. On the other hand, the Briny's nylon top housing appeals to those who favor a muted yet full auditory experience. By understanding how the top and bottom housings contribute differently, users can make informed choices based on their preferences for sound and feel while maintaining a sense of consistency in the core typing experience offered by the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, both switches have an identical actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Briny at 60 grams and the Dustproof Blue at 65 grams. This indicates that the Dustproof Blue switch provides a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Briny's lighter bottom out force may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize ease of use. In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Briny is the lighter option overall, while the Dustproof Blue is the heavier choice, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback upon bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Blue measures at 4 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, appealing to gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel during key presses, as shorter travel distances can enhance speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, which can provide a satisfying and less abrupt typing experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Keygeek Briny is ideal for those seeking quicker response times, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Blue is suited for those who favor a heartier depth in their typing.
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 Dustproof 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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that is generally smooth and unobtrusive, making it ideal for quieter environments or longer typing sessions where distraction is minimized. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its pronounced click sound, providing sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinct clicking noise can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory cues while typing but may be less suitable for collaborative workspaces due to its louder nature. Ultimately, your experience with either switch will also depend on external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch offers a smooth linear experience that lacks tactile bumps, allowing for seamless and swift key presses ideal for gaming or fast typing. This absent tactile feedback can be preferred by those who like a consistent keypress without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue features tactile feedback with its click mechanism, allowing for a more engaging typing experience where each keypress is accompanied by a noticeable bump and sound. This tactile sensation can enhance accuracy for some typists who benefit from the feedback while typing.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch excels in providing a balanced and quieter typing experience, suited for those who prefer smooth keystrokes without distraction. The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, with its satisfying audible click and tactile feedback, appeals to users who enjoy pronounced auditory and physical responses when typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to differing needs, but they offer uniquely distinct experiences that can shape your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without any tactile feedback, the Briny is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, especially if you are looking for a switch that provides a balanced sound profile and a satisfying linear feel. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy the sharp click that can enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Blue, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, may be more to your liking. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience and a satisfying sound with each keystroke. Therefore, whether you lean towards the appeal of a smooth linear feel or the distinctive click of a mechanical switch, both options offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences.
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