Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both present compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, both being linear switches that offer unique characteristics. The Briny is recognized for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to a balanced sound profile that appeals to typists looking for a satisfying yet moderately noisy experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed with a focus on reduced sound levels, making it an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is paramount. While the Briny leans towards providing an engaging acoustic feedback, the Silent Ocean prioritizes a smoother, silent typing experience, catering to users who require discretion. Each switch presents distinct advantages depending on personal preference, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean switches, we observe distinct differences in their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which many typists may find pleasing for a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer than nylon, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that can resonate more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, particularly in setups with RGB lighting, emphasizing the switch's visual appeal.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a notable similarity, as both the Briny and the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that users will experience a consistent bottom-out sound and feel, characterized by the deeper and fuller tones that nylon brings to the tactile aspect of the switch. Given that the material properties of the bottom housing have a significant impact on how the switch feels when pressed, users can expect similar performance in this regard regardless of the differing top housings. The nylon's ability to absorb sound will dominate the auditory characteristics during key presses, ensuring a cohesive typing experience.
Overall, while the Keygeek Briny and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches showcase contrasting materials in their top housings, they share the same nylon composition for their bottom housings. This balance allows for a diverse sound profile shaped by the differences in the top materials while maintaining a uniformity of experience in terms of bottom-out sounds and feelings. Consequently, users can appreciate the distinct auditory experiences generated from each type of top housing while remaining grounded by the consistent nylon characteristics in the bottom housing, resulting in a thoughtful combination of auditory and tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the Outemu switch to be more accommodating at the initial keystroke, but with a more pronounced resistance when bottoming out. Conversely, the Briny offers a stronger feel upon actuation, which may appeal to users who prefer tactile feedback. Overall, the Keygeek Briny is the heavier option for actuation, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is lighter in that aspect, though it bottoms out with a heavier feel. This contrast can influence user experience significantly—those favoring lighter switches may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions, while enthusiasts who appreciate a more substantial push may prefer the Keygeek Briny.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, the Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference highlights the Briny switch as the option for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, offering a longer travel that may be favorable for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Ocean, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times and a more immediate actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile experience, the Keygeek Briny would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean would be ideal for those seeking faster keypress feedback.
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 Silent Ocean 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 is recognized for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to a pleasing auditory experience without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch doesn't have specific sound qualities mentioned, making it difficult to properly assess its auditory characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can vary based on several factors, including the keyboard frame and keycap materials used, so users may experience different sound profiles depending on their unique configurations.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch is generally appreciated for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, delivering a satisfying experience that makes typing and gaming enjoyable. The Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch also possesses a silent, smooth feel without discrete tactile feedback; however, the absence of detailed descriptions leaves a gap in understanding how its tactile response might differ. Both switches likely provide a linear typing experience, but the nuances that come with each will depend on personal preference and usage context.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a well-rounded sound profile and a commendable feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's characteristics remain less defined, particularly in terms of sound. The choice between them may ultimately come down to the specific needs of the user—whether they prioritize a known sound quality or are looking for a quiet, smooth typing experience where exact specifications aren’t detailed.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you work or game. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force of 60 grams for a more responsive feel while typing, the Briny may be your best bet. It offers a smooth experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for shared spaces or quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and desire a switch designed for reduced noise, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is more appropriate. This switch is particularly beneficial in scenarios where avoiding distractions is critical, such as during work meetings or late-night gaming sessions when you want to keep the sound to a minimum. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you value sound balance and responsiveness with the Briny or prioritize a quieter experience with the added weight of the Dustproof Silent Ocean.