Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Ocean highlights the diverse preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Briny, a linear switch renowned for its smooth keypress and balanced sound profile, is designed with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a noticeable bump on actuation, providing users with tactile feedback that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming sessions. If you seek a seamless, fluid keystroke with minimal resistance, the Briny might be your switch of choice. However, if you enjoy the tactile sensation of knowing precisely when a key has been activated, the Ocean could be the better option for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Ocean, a notable contrast is immediately evident in their choice of top housing material. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the audio feedback generated while typing on the Briny is described as duller and rounder, giving a somewhat muted experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and delivers a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This material enhances clarity and brightness, providing a crisper feedback that is especially pronounced when engaging with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the top housing materials differ significantly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This commonality means that both the Briny and the Ocean will generate a similar sound profile when pressing down on the keys, as the bottom housing tends to impact the bottom-out feel and sound. Both switches will provide users with that characteristic deeper and fuller sound typically associated with nylon, ensuring that the tactile feedback during keypresses remains consistent between the two models as far as the bottom housing is concerned. Therefore, while the top housing influences the auditory characteristics heavily, the foundation laid by the nylon bottom housing binds the emotional experience of typing across both products.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the Briny's nylon and the Ocean's polycarbonate top housings create significantly different sound profiles, yet the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent foundational experience between the two. Users seeking a heavier, more rounded typing sound will find comfort in the Briny, while those craving clarity and brightness will appreciate the Outemu Ocean's sharper tones. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct auditory preferences driven by their top-house housing, while the shared characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing serve to unify their tactile experience. This combination of unique upper housing materials complemented by identical lower housings offers a rich scenario for keyboard enthusiasts to find their preferred typing experience.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation forces while the bottom out force for the Ocean switch remains unknown. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a relatively lighter option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for prolonged use during long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting that it may provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push. Regarding bottom out forces, the Briny's bottom out force is 60 grams, which indicates it provides a more tactile feedback upon keystroke completion. Without the bottom out force for the Ocean switch available, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Briny offers a lighter typing experience while the Ocean leans towards a heavier resistance, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel that gamers may appreciate for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Ocean’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial and hearty depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and a traditional typing experience. Therefore, depending on your preference for responsiveness versus a deeper key press sensation, you might choose the Briny for rapid performance or the Ocean for a more pronounced typing experience.
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 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 known for its balanced sound profile, largely due to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which combines to create a smooth and pleasant auditory experience when the key is pressed. The sound produced by the Briny tends to be less obtrusive and more mellow, making it suitable for quiet environments or situations where sound level is a consideration. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specifically defined sound, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. This variability means that while the Ocean may not provide a distinct sound signature, it can still offer a decent auditory experience influenced by the board and keycap choices, but this remains largely unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch delivers a smooth linear experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any tactile feedback, which is often favored by gamers for rapid input. The smoothness of the Briny enhances the overall typing experience as each keystroke feels unimpeded and fluid. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump during actuation. This tactile sensation can give the typist a better sense of register, which many individuals appreciate for typing purposes. Thus, the choice between the two boils down to whether you prefer a linear feel with minimal resistance or a tactile element that can enhance the connection to your typing.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound and a smooth typing experience that appeals to those who prefer quiet and streamlined interaction. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a tactile bump that enhances feedback during typing but does not have a well-documented sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches hinges on personal preferences—opt for the Briny if you favor linear action with subdued sound, or the Ocean if you want tactile feedback. Both switches promise their own unique qualities, and you'll be able to achieve different outcomes in your typing experience depending on your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience with consistent feedback and a balanced sound profile, the Briny is the better choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams lends itself well to prolonged typing sessions, providing a comfortable balance that most users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys the tactile feedback typically associated with typing or gaming, the Ocean might be more appealing, despite the lack of specific data on its sound or feel. The tactile nature of its design can enhance the typing experience, giving your fingers a more engaging response as you type. Ultimately, consider what you value more—a smooth, linear action versus tactile feedback—before making your decision.
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