Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Gold present two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypress without tactile bumps or audible clicks, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. Its UPE stem paired with a pure PA66 bottom housing creates a balanced sound profile that appeals to gamers and professionals alike who value a seamless feel and quick responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, classified as a clicky switch, offers a pronounced tactile feedback and an audible click, perfect for typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and tactile sensation that traditional mechanical keyboards provide. The clicky nature of the Gold switch makes it particularly enjoyable for those who wish to enhance their typing experience with distinct auditory cues. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Gold switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials that influence not only their performance but also their auditory profiles. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a sound experience that is rounder and less sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a contrasting sound profile that is crisper and higher-pitched. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when keys are released. Thus, while both switches may perform well in their own right, the auditory experience they offer is markedly different, driven by the choice of materials in their top housings.
When examining the bottom housing, however, the Keygeek Briny and Outemu Gold switches demonstrate a similarity. Both switches incorporate nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing of the Briny. This means that, regardless of the differing top materials, the keypresses produced by both switches will retain a sense of depth and roundness in sound when bottoming out. Given that bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key, users will experience a consistent auditory foundation with both switches when it comes to this aspect, highlighting how similar bottom housings can yield comparable tactile experiences.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles that distinguish the Briny from the Gold, the coherence in the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a familiar feel and auditory depth when pressed. If one were to focus solely on how switches articulate sound during a typing session, the results would hinge on the combination of these differing characteristics. Users interested in RGB lighting will appreciate the polycarbonate's translucency in the Outemu Gold, enhancing visual effects, while users who prefer a softer auditory experience may gravitate towards the fully nylon composition of the Briny. In essence, while each switch has its technological nuances shaped by housing materials, they also share commonality that enriches the overall experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Outemu Gold, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may find the Gold more suitable for their needs, while typists who enjoy a more substantial push might favor the Briny. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that regardless of the actuation force, users can expect similar feedback when pressing the keys all the way down. Overall, this comparison highlights the fact that while both switches offer a medium bottom out force, the actuation force differences lend themselves to distinct user preferences: the Briny being the heavier option and the Gold being the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, appealing to those who favor responsiveness in their key presses, especially gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper feel that may be preferred by users who enjoy more tactile feedback and a more substantial keystroke experience. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preference for either a quicker response or a more pronounced depth in 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 Gold 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, which is often appreciated for being unobtrusive yet pleasant during use. This makes it suitable for various environments, from quiet offices to more casual home setups. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a specific sound characteristic attributed to it, which leaves its acoustic qualities open to interpretation. It’s important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plate, housing material, and keycap design, making individual experiences with sound quite subjective.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch typically provides a smooth keystroke, allowing for consistent actuation without any tactile bump or resistance, ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is designed to offer a tactile feedback with an audible click, which can enhance typing satisfaction for users who enjoy the distinct sensation and sound of each keystroke. This difference in tactile feedback fundamentally shapes how users interact with their keyboards, catering to varying preferences between linear and clicky feedback.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny switch presents a balanced sound profile and a smooth feel, making it a great option for users who prioritize quietness and fluidity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch appeals to those who enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a vivid typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice between these two will depend on individual preferences, especially concerning sound and tactile response, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and quiet typing experience, along with good sound dampening, the Briny is your go-to option thanks to its balanced sound profile and UPE stem, which can enhance your tactile experience while reducing noise. This makes it ideal for work environments or late-night gaming sessions where you want to minimize disturbances. On the other hand, if you delight in audible feedback and a more tactile sensation, the Outemu Gold might be the right fit for you. While it doesn't boast any standout features, its clicky nature can add an engaging element to your typing, making it enjoyable for those who thrive on auditory cues. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a silent, fluid experience or an interactive, feedback-rich typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
