Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Green offer distinct experiences, both of which are linear in nature. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences while providing a satisfying feel with every keystroke. On the other hand, while the Silent Green doesn't have a specific standout feature highlighted, it typically caters to those seeking a quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches allow for smooth key presses and minimal tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a fluid typing experience. 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
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green, a clear distinction between nylon and polycarbonate emerges, which significantly influences the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon’s softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. On the contrary, the Silent Green employs polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound characterized by its stiffer structure that enhances resonance. Consequently, while the Briny delivers a rounder auditory experience, the Silent Green stands out with a crisp, clear auditory signature.
The aesthetic aspects of these materials also differ notably, especially in terms of light diffusion and transparency. The translucent quality of polycarbonate in the Silent Green makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that can enhance the visual appeal of a setup. In comparison, the nylon used in the Briny does not offer the same degree of translucency, which may limit the light-shining effect of any RGB components. This difference speaks not only to the acoustic properties but also to the overall experience of keyboard users who prioritize visual customization alongside auditory feedback.
Ultimately, when considering the overall sound experience, it is important to note how the combination of these materials can impact the switch functionality. While the Briny's nylon housing fosters a more subdued auditory output, it provides a muted typing experience that some users may prefer for quieter environments. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Green, with its sharper polycarbonate sound profile, appeals to users who enjoy a more resonant and punchy typing feedback. If users desire a balance of both characteristics, they might achieve a similar result by customizing their keyboards with a mix of switches or by integrating dampening materials that can mitigate sound while maintaining desired aesthetic qualities.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Green has a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams. This means that the Silent Green is more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios where fatigue can be a concern. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which ensures that they deliver a similar tactile response when fully pressed, providing a consistent feel at the bottom of the keystroke. Therefore, while the Briny is heavier in terms of actuation force, users can expect a comparable bottom-out experience with either switch. The choice between them ultimately comes down to a preference for a lighter or a more substantial actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may cater to varying user preferences; those who favor a more responsive feel might lean towards the Briny due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Silent Green, with its traditional 4 mm distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth when typing, offering a more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, these switches can provide distinct experiences based on individual priorities in key feel and response time.
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 Silent Green 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 produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its unique construction featuring an UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing. While the specific acoustics of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are not detailed, it is worth noting that sound can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, both switches, while differing in their noted characteristics, can still produce a satisfying auditory experience depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Briny is recognized for its smooth linear action, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes, enhancing the typing experience without any tactile feedback or bumps. Although the exact feel of the Silent Green switch is not explicitly described, linear switches generally provide a similar smoothness, which suggests the potential for a comparable typing sensation. Thus, those familiar with linear switches should find comfort in both options.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile and a recognized smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous in its characteristics. However, both switches are likely to provide a similar smooth typing experience typical of linear switches. The differences, particularly in sound, highlight the importance of pairing with the right board and keycaps to achieve your desired outcome, making personal preference a key factor in deciding between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile coupled with a medium actuation force, the Briny switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing contribute to a well-rounded auditory experience, making it suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios where sound quality is a consideration. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on the medium bottom-out force, then the Silent Green switch would be more fitting. While it may lack a distinctive sound profile, its design is optimized for silent operation, making it an excellent option for shared spaces or late-night use. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your priorities in performance, sound, and typing feel, ensuring you select the switch that aligns best with your needs.